www.fiftyplusrichmond.com
COMING SOON TO SHORT PUMP
G E T TO K N OW
NOVEMBER 2020 • FREE
Avery Point
Conceptual Rendering
Short Pump AveryPointCommunity.com
14253016
Learn more! Call 1-800-349-4221 today for your free brochure.
2
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Lemonade plus They say human beings are “social ani- be,” or “Actually, in some ways it’s better mals,” and that deprived of human contact, than it used to be”? we wither away. But what are I know I’ve been in situawe to do in an age when sotions these last few months cial distancing can be a matwhere I came away with each ter of life and death? of these feelings. Certainly, Fortunately, we humans are attending a wedding, anniveralso highly creative and resary and other family celebrasourceful, so there are many tions via a computer screen, answers to that question: We without all the hugs and kisshold FaceTime or Zoom cones, personal conversations versations, virtual events, and and shared experiences, can small-scale, outdoor gatherbe painful. It’s just not the ings as best we can. same. FROM THE If I were to ask you how PUBLISHER Attending a networking much these substitutes feel By Stuart P. Rosenthal event or business conference like the real thing, what can have some of the same would you say? Would your answer be, downsides, but also saves one the time, ex“It’s the best we can do under the circum- pense and aggravation of air travel, staying stances,” “It’s almost as good as it used to in hotels and living out of a suitcase.
ON THE COVER: Mark Lilly is shown with his repurposed old school bus, which is like a farmer’s market on wheels. He started his business, Farm to Family, 11 years ago, but he’s been busier than ever since the pandemic hit. See story on page 4. PHOTO COURTESY OF MARK LILLY
a publication of
The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.
Editorial Mission: Fifty Plus is dedicated to providing readers with accurate information, professional guidance, and useful resources. Our publication is intended to both reflect and enhance fifty-plus lifestyles, and to encourage
There’s more of a balance there. So, what’s an example of something that’s actually better virtually? I’m going out on a limb here, but I’m going to say that 50+Expos might be such a situation. Our newspaper publishing company has hosted live 50+Expos in Maryland and Virginia for more than 20 years. For me, they almost feel like family gatherings now. There are so many familiar faces I get to see only once a year, and so many lovely conversations I get to have with our readers as well as our exhibitors and wonderful speakers. So, I certainly wouldn’t have asked for this year to be one where we couldn’t in good conscience hold an in-person expo event. But the more we thought about it, the more we realized there could really be some huge benefits to having an Expo virtually. First, there’s the time issue: An in-person Expo event takes place over a day; two at most. If you’re not available at that time, or aren’t feeling your best, you miss it. Our Virtual Expo lets you visit every class, speaker, performer and exhibitor whenever you want for a full three months! (And we are holding weekly door prizes for each week’s visitors, so you’re not missing out on that nice aspect of live Expos, either. Come back and enter as many weeks as you like.) Then, there’s the space issue. No matter how big the convention center (or tent), we’re going to have some trouble fitting in all the entertainment, speakers and classes we’d like to offer, while still leaving room for an exhibit hall of any significant size. With a web-based Expo, there’s nothing stopping us from providing all the interesting subjects and types of entertainment you could possibly want to enjoy. To enjoy our Expo, you need only an internet connection and a computer, laptop,
tablet or smartphone. Come and go as you please, wearing whatever you like! Just get online and enter beacon50 expo.com. There you’ll find a very simple, user-friendly web page with four main choices: Classes, Speakers, Entertainers and Exhibitors. Click on any one of them and you’ll see a few categories to choose among to help you decide which video to view first. Altogether, there are literally dozens of programs available to you to start and stop any time of day or night for a full three months. Okay, you might say, I can surf the internet for three centuries and not see everything there is to offer. What’s the point of that? The difference is, we have pulled together the information and material you have told us you most want to see. The hundreds of readers who answered our survey back in July gave us direction that we have done our best to follow. For examples of who our speakers and entertainers are and what classes and exhibitors will be available, see our partial listing on page 6 of this issue. Our hope is that we have done a good enough job to make it worth your while to come once, twice, maybe even many times to beacon50expo.com in the coming weeks and months. And don’t forget to register each time you visit, as we are having a weekly door prize drawing for that weeks’ visitors. You could win $100 or more. Please encourage your friends and family to visit beacon50expo.com. We’re sure you’ll find many things to talk about with them after you’ve “been to” our Expo!
reader dialogue and input. Fifty Plus is published monthly and distributed free of charge. The advertising deadline is the 20th of each month for the upcoming issue. The entire contents of Fifty Plus are ©2020, The Beacon Newspapers, Inc. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher. The views and opinions expressed by writers and columnists do not necessarily represent those of Fifty Plus or its staff.
Letters to the editor Readers are encouraged to share their opinion on any matter addressed in Fifty Plus as well as on political and social issues of the day. Mail your Letter to the Editor to Fifty Plus, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915, or email to info@fiftyplusrichmond.com.
Publisher/Editor — Stuart Rosenthal President/Associate Publisher — Judith K. Rosenthal Vice President, Operations — Gordon Hasenei Vice President, Sales and Marketing — Alan Spiegel Managing Editor — Margaret Foster Art Director — Kyle Gregory Director of Operations — Roger King Assistant Editor — Catherine Brown Advertising Representative — Lisa Benton-Hawkins Content Manager — Ashley Griffin
Fifty Plus Richmond • P.O. Box 2227 • Silver Spring, MD 20915 PH: 804-673-5203 • info@fiftyplusrichmond.com © Copyright 2020 The Beacon Newspapers, Inc.
Please include your name, address and telephone number for verification. Dear Editor: I’m enclosing a potential story idea, but don’t mistake the praise I have for the October issue of Fifty Plus Richmond as a veiled attempt to promote the story suggestion. I look forward to viewing the 2020 Virtual 50+Expo. What a great and welcome idea. Then, there’s your October article “Pros, cons of Medicare Advantage plans.” My wife and I have Original Medicare plus Anthem “Medigap” that pays the 20% Medicare does not. The airways are now full of Medicare Advantage advertising promising just about everything (except being rocked to
bed at night) for $0 premium. Author Liz Weston has written the only balanced article I have read to date on the subject. I hope many facing the Medicare decision will read her article first, because while Medicare Advantage appears cheaper than Original Medicare, there are a number of hidden pitfalls. William S. Hogate Glen Allen, Va. Ed. Note: Thank you. We appreciate both the praise and the story suggestion! Readers are encouraged to let us know about interesting individuals and organizations in the Richmond area that they would like to see profiled in Fifty Plus.
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
G E T TO K N OW
Avery Point
CO M I N G SOO N TO S H O RT P U M P
Conceptual Renderings
Avery Point is the new Erickson Senior Living continuing care retirement community coming to Short Pump, Virginia! This new community will feature:
Great convenient location— located just two miles west of Short Pump Town Center at Route 288 and W. Broad Street.
Services and affordable value to enhance your well-being—property taxes, homes repairs, and most utilities are just a few of the everyday costs included. Avery Point will be the twenty-first campus in Erickson Senior Living’s portfolio, which spans 11 states and serves over 27,000 adults age 62 and older. While every campus is unique, Avery Point is a community like no other.
A variety of stylish apartment homes—choose from a range of apartment homes that are low on maintenance and big on style.
Learn more! Call
Easy access to amenities—
for your free brochure.
14253016
swim, dine, or take a class. With so many incredible amenities, it’s like you’re living at a resort.
1-800-349-4221 today
Short Pump AveryPointCommunity.com
3
4
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Cover Story Fresh deliveries help support local farms From Marine to entrepreneur Lilly grew up in Richmond, joined the Marines, then attended Virginia Commonwealth University. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts, he backpacked across Europe solo. “I wanted to experience everything I could while I was young,” he said. When he returned and starting working as a manager in the dining service at the University of Richmond, he took the course offered there in disaster management. In his imagined scenario, Lilly predicted a pandemic and the food crisis it might trigger. What he learned during the project shifted his life. It taught him that our food supply in the U.S. is contingent on a few mega-corporations. They’re too big to fail, but if they did, we would be unprepared to quickly find alternatives. In Lilly’s mind, the answer to this threat was to increase the profitability of the numerous small farms that dot the Virginia landscape. He decided to start making it easier for local farmers to sell directly to families. In 2009, Lilly started his business — Farm to Family — to bring attention to these problems, maximize the use of local small farms and help them thrive. He said he used his “last pennies” to buy an old school bus and retrofit it as a traveling market. Stocked with food, including meat, breads, fruits and vegetables from small farms, he drives it directly to consumers.
✃
MAIL OR FAX FOR FREE INFORMATION
Since 2009, Mark Lilly, owner of Farm to Family CSA, has been driving a converted school bus known as the Farm Bus. Lilly drives hundreds of miles a week, picking up fresh produce, meat and dairy products from local farms and transporting them directly to homes and pick-up points in RVA and Washington, D.C.
Bringing food to many, Lilly also used the bus as a teaching tool to bring the concept of local and sustainable farming to schools across the state. “Farm to Family has the potential to circumvent many issues with local food distribution and awareness. It is the future,” he said. Sustainable agriculture, Lilly added, “will only grow in demand and popularity as consumers become more conscious of issues with conventional food growing methods and the industrialized food complex as a whole.”
The importance of sustainability
For free materials on housing communities just complete and clip this coupon and mail or fax it to Fifty Plus. ❏ Avery Point (see ads on pages 1 and 3) ❏ Dominion Place (see ad on page 12) ❏ Guardian Place (see ad on page 14) ❏ Imperial Plaza (see ad on page 8) ❏ Sandston Plateau (see ad on page 11) ❏ Spring Arbor of Richmond (see ad on page 9) ❏ Spring Arbor of Salisbury (see ad on page 9) Name_____________________________________________________________ Address___________________________________________________________ City______________________________________State______Zip____________ Phone (day)_______________________(evening)________________________
Please provide your e-mail address if you would like to receive monthly links to the Fifty Plus online and occasional notices of events and programs of interest. Email______________________________________________________________ FP11/20
Please tear out and mail this form to: Fifty Plus, c/o The Beacon, P.O. Box 2227, Silver Spring, MD 20915-2227 or fax to (804) 673-5308
PHOTO BY MARK LILLY
By Diane York The turning point in Mark Lilly’s life came in 2008, when the former Marine decided to take a course at the University of Richmond, where he worked. As part of the emergency management class, titled “Hazards and Threats of the Future,” Lilly had to create a 20-year projected scenario of a disaster; in his case, famine in the West in the year 2029. When he predicted a pandemic that would lead to a crisis in the food supply, he never imagined he would actually experience it. Today, Lilly is an outspoken advocate for food security and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). He’s best known for his “Farm Bus” — a mobile farmers’ market selling produce, meats and other products from local, small farms direct to families. He and the bus have been featured on BBC World News, the “Rachael Ray Show,” CBN News and in People magazine. This year, Lilly and his Farm Bus have seen a lot of action, traveling all over Virginia and Washington, D.C. “We want to transform Richmond, raise food, educate people to be empowered and food secure — and most importantly, create jobs,” Lilly said. “We can’t make the positive changes to our current toxic food system unless people make a conscious effort to engage with their local food producers and providers. The alternative is not sustainable. We all have to take action now,” he said.
What is sustainable agriculture? At present, Americans get much of their fruits and vegetables from California and Florida. However, in winter, we rely on Central America and Mexico for produce. We raise most of our own meat, but import about 20% from other countries. During a war, plague or environmental disaster (such as extended drought, fires or floods), we might not be able to rely on food from other countries. The world heavily relies on just a dozen plants and five animal species, according to National Geographic magazine. Therefore, small farms that grow heirloom breeds without GMO (genetically modified organisms) can establish pockets of biodiversity and “islands” of pure plant and animal stock. These are critical in case of potential disease or widespread failure of GMO breeds. The value of smaller, local farms is that, while providing additional support now to our food chain, in a crisis, they would be able to sustain a supply of fruits, vegetables, grains, beef, poultry, eggs and dairy.
COVID gave business a boost When the coronavirus pandemic hit this country in March, people avoided large grocery stores. As a result, Lilly’s homedelivery business boomed. And when meatpacking factories temporarily closed due to COVID-19, it was a boon for small cattle, bison, chicken and pig farmers. In 2020, after 10 years in the business, Lilly is having his best year ever. Overnight, he had to expand, hiring helpers and buying another truck. When the pandemic is over, Lilly suspects some new customers will stick with his delivery model, while others will go back to shopping at large grocery stores. However, he hopes they will also shop at his small store/urban farm and garden on Mechanicsville Turnpike, called the Farm to Family Market. What the Farm Bus delivers Lilly’s business is not confined to the summer season. He sells a wide variety of winter vegetables (collards, kale, squash, pumpkins, carrots and beets) along with meat, cheese, milk and breads. He drives all over the state, picking up products from as far as the Shenandoah Valley to get a varied inventory. A weekly delivery to a household might include the following items, based on the season: three ears of corn, four sweet potatoes, two pears, six apples, two squashes, two bell peppers, bok choy, green onions, kale and a pint of berries. Customers can add bread, their choice of meat — bison or beef burgers, lamb, chicken or trout — or dairy products — milk, yogurt and/or cheese, as well as See FARM BUS, page 8
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
2020 PRESENTED BY
Ken Dychtwald, PhD, a national expert on aging and author of the new book, What Retirees Want
WHAT:
A 50+Expo like you’ve never seen before:
More than 60 hours of speakers, classes and entertainment, 100 exhibitors, and 3 months in which to enjoy it! Plus, weekly door prizes
A sampling of our programs:
WHERE: All online at a new website designed just for this event: www.beacon50expo.com
WHEN:
The Virtual 50+Expo goes live
Sunday, November 1 at noon, and continues through January 31, 2021.
Classes: Meditation 101; Line Dancing; Avoiding Frauds & Scams; Healthy Cooking
Speakers: Low Vision Solutions, Interview with the Oldest Living Tuskegee Airman; Caregiving During COVID; Options for Intergenerational Activity
Entertainment: Jazz piano; Stand-up Comics; Classical String Quartet; Rock 'n' Roll, Barbershop Chorus GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
WHO:
Brought to you free of charge by the Beacon Newspapers, in partnership with the Baltimore County Department of Aging and the Howard County Office on Aging & Independence. BRONZE SPONSORS
www.beacon50expo.com Businesses and organizations interested in exhibiting/sponsoring: Call Alan at (443) 285-9336.
MEDIA SPONSORS
5
6
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Here is a selection of the classes, entertainment, vvspeakers available at
2020
www.beacon50expo.com from November 1, 2020 through January 31, 2021:
SPEAKERS
CLASSES
KEYNOTE: Ken Dychtwald, PhD speaking about decades of research on aging and how to make the most of retirement Women’s Heart Health, Women’s Heart Specialist & Cardiologist Daisy Lazarous, M.D. Courtesy of Adventist HealthCare Adventist Medical Group The Latest Information on Low Vision Research Dr. Emily Chew, National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, courtesy of Prevention of Blindness Society The Oldest Living Tuskegee Airman interview with Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, courtesy of Silver Spring Village Everything You Always Wanted to Know about the Cuban Missile Crisis from a CIA insider, courtesy of Silver Spring Village How to Create Harmony in Your Life interview with Serge Mazerand, composer, pianist and author of The 7 Keys to Serenity Designing Camelot a discussion with the co-authors of Designing Camelot: The Kennedy White House Restoration, courtesy of the White House Historical Association A, B, C and D’s of Medicare Sherry Kolbe, State Health Insurance Assistance Program Manager for Baltimore County, courtesy of Baltimore County Department of Aging
Mindful Meditation Seminar including guided meditation practice, courtesy of Brooke Grove Foundation Intergenerational Volunteer Activities You Can Do from Home a panel including GrandInvolve, Age-Friendly DC, Link Generations, Experience Corp, Montgomery Connects and JCA Heyman Interages Center, courtesy of Empowering the Ages Go, Grow and Get Active Video special featuring tai chi fit, laughter yoga, Zumba and more, courtesy Montgomery County Aging & Disabilities Avoiding Coronavirus Frauds and Scams, courtesy of AARP VA Cooking with Chef Francis, an Embassy Chef Challenge award-winner, courtesy of Gold Sponsor, Maplewood Park Place Dance with Nancy lessons with Nancy Hays in Electric Slide and Achy Breaky line dancing for exercise and fun, courtesy of DancewithNancy.com Playing Billiards a demonstration of techniques and shots, courtesy of Maplewood Park Place Zumba, Tai Chi and Core & Stretch classes courtesy of Baltimore County Department of Aging
ENTERTAINMENT
Rearview Mirror Duo Iris Hirsch and Glenn Bullion perform a blend of rock and roll, R&B, pop, country, standards from the Great American Songbook, disco, and Motown from the 50s, 60s, 70s Shades of Gray rock and roll band, performing memorable songs, courtesy of Ken Hunter
Stand-up comedy Four over-50 comics do their thing, courtesy of Silver Spring Town Center SPARKLE program Alexandria Harmonizers Christmas Concert award-winning barbershop men’s chorus from Alexandria, Va., courtesy of the Harmonizers
Maxim Lando, 18-year-old classical piano phenom protégé of Lang Lang, performs Kapustin’s Concert Etudes, courtesy of Candlelight Concerts
Music by Black American women composers performed by the Chin Family Quartet and Victoria Bragin, courtesy of the Friday Morning Music Club
Dance to music from a live ballroom orchestra courtesy of dancewithnancy.com
Beethoven Sonata No. 10 in G major, for violin and piano Lisa Weiss and Yeou-Cheng Ma (sister of Yo Yo Ma), courtesy of Lisa Weiss
French, Latin and American Jazz recital by Steve Baddour, courtesy of the Louise P. Zanar Fund
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
Health Fitness &
7
DRUG DUMP It’s important to dispose safely of medications you no longer need. Here are ways ICE CREAM, YOU SCREAM Can ice cream be healthy (or at least healthier)? What to look for on the label POWER OF GINGER Ginger root can strengthen the immune system, regulate blood sugar and more PROTEIN FACTS As we age, many of us need more protein. But are protein powders the answer?
A surprising cause of falls: multitasking By Brad Manor A few years ago, my grandmother fell and broke her hip. She has never fully recovered and is now constantly fearful of falling, and has significantly limited her activities to prevent a fall from ever happening again. As a scientist focused on translational research in mobility and falls in older adults, of course I asked her how she fell. She stated that she was standing in the kitchen, reading a recipe, when the phone rang. When she turned and started to walk over to the phone, her feet “weren’t in the right spot.” She fell sideways and, unfortunately, her hip was unable to absorb the impact without breaking. For older adults, falls are a leading cause of hip and wrist fractures, concussions, mobility disability, loss of independence and even death. As it turns out, the circumstances leading up to my grandmother’s fall were typical. In fact, the majority of falls occur when an individual is “dual-tasking” — that is, standing or walking while at the same time performing a separate cognitive task (such as reading), a motor task (carrying groceries), or both (walking while talking and carrying a cup of coffee).
Why does dual-tasking (or multitasking) often lead to falls in older adults? It turns out that the seemingly simple acts of standing upright, or walking down an empty, well-lit hallway, are quite complex. To complete these tasks, we must continuously stabilize our body’s center of mass — a point located just behind our sternum — over the relatively small base of support that we create by positioning our feet on the ground. This control requires quick reflexes, as well as strong muscles of the trunk, hips, legs, ankles and toes. However, to avoid falling we also need to pay attention to our body and environment, predict and perceive unsafe movements of our body, and adjust accordingly. Our brains need to quickly make sense of information coming from our eyes, ears and bodies to produce patterns of muscle activity that appropriately adjust our body’s position within the environment. Therefore, tasks of standing and walking are in fact cognitive tasks, and these tasks require more and more cognitive effort as we grow older and our senses and muscles no longer work as well as they once did. For my grandmother and many others,
dual-tasking led to a fall because it diverted shared cognitive resources away from the critical job of controlling her body’s center of mass over her feet on the ground.
Training may prevent falls Older adults who are cognitively impaired are more than two times as likely to fall compared to those who are cognitively intact. A recent study by researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has shown that even subtle differences in the brain’s ability to dual-task when walking are predictive of future falls in healthy older adults. Specifically, the researchers asked their volunteers to walk while completing a word-generation task in their laboratory, and used a technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity. Those volunteers who required more brain activity (mental effort) to complete these tasks were more likely to fall during a four-year follow-up period. Thankfully, these startling studies have a silver lining: They suggest that cognitive function is a promising — and largely untapped — target for the prevention and rehabilitation of falls.
If you are worried about falling, or feel like your balance is slipping, you might consider the following: Be aware of your surroundings. Try to minimize distractions if and when you find yourself standing in a crowded room, walking down an uneven sidewalk, or in a hurry to get to an appointment. Avoid answering your cellphone, keep conversations light, and prioritize your balance above all else. Keep your mind sharp. Cognitive decline is not an unavoidable consequence of aging. There are proven tips for maximizing your mental abilities into older age. Consider joining a class on tai chi, yoga or dance. These safe mind-body exercises have proven effective for improving balance and even reducing falls in older adults. Remember that falls rarely occur due to a single factor, like poor muscle strength, fatigue or reduced vision. Instead, they usually occur when multiple factors combine to cause an irrecoverable loss of balance. Multifactorial strategies therefore appear to be the best “medicine” for the avoidance of falls. © 2020 by Harvard University
Pros and cons of dietary supplements By Rozalina McCoy, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: Why does my doctor want to know what supplements I’m taking, even if I don’t have any health problems and don’t take more than the recommended amounts? A: It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about any dietary supplements you take. Although you don’t need a prescription for most supplements, that doesn’t mean they can’t significantly affect your health. Dietary supplements are useful in some situations — for example, calcium and vitamin D for bone health, and iron for iron-deficiency anemia. But they also can be harmful, especially if taken in certain combinations, with certain prescription medications, or before surgery or other medical procedures. By knowing the supplements you take, your healthcare provider can ensure they are a good fit for you.
Nutritional or herbal? There are two general categories of dietary supplements: nutritional and herbal. Nutritional supplements are designed to provide vitamins and minerals your body needs that you may not get enough of in your diet. Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron and fiber are common nutritional supplements many people take. Herbal supplements, sometime called botanicals, are supplements derived from plants that are touted as having health benefits. Popular herbal supplements include echinacea, ginkgo and flaxseed. People take dietary supplements to improve their health or prevent illness. One concern about supplements, though, is lack of oversight in their production and unproven claims manufacturers make about their benefits. Prescription and over-the-counter medications are closely regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
But the FDA doesn’t regulate or oversee supplement content or claims to the same degree as it does for medications. Just because a supplement is approved for sale doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe or effective.
Benefits come with possible risk Although supplements aren’t regulated in the same way medications are, they have active ingredients that can affect your body and your health. And keep in mind that anything strong enough to produce a positive effect — such as lowering cholesterol or improving mood — also is strong enough to carry potential health risks. That’s one of the key reasons it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about your supplements. He or she can review the potential benefits and side effects, and evaluate if the supplement is safe for you. When you take your supplements can be a factor you need to discuss with your
healthcare provider, as well. For example, the absorption of some supplements can be influenced by whether you take them with food or on an empty stomach. Some supplements also can prevent the absorption or action of medications, so it may be important to take them separately.
Interactions are an issue It is particularly important for you to review your supplements with your healthcare provider if you take more than one supplement, or if you take any prescription or nonprescription medication. In some cases, taking a combination of supplements, or using supplements while taking certain medications, could lead to harmful or life-threatening results. You mention that you don’t take more than the recommended amount of your supplement, and that is wise. Taking more See SUPPLEMENTS, page 9
8
Fitness & Health | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
How to select the best winter squash By Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough All varieties of delicious winter squash are packed with the antioxidants alpha and beta carotene. Here you’ll find some tips on what varieties to look for and how to choose them.
sign that it’s either underripe or that it’s waxed, possibly masking bad quality. Choose squash with a remnant of the dried-out stem still attached, like a small knob at one end. A missing stem can be a sign of mold and bacteria growth inside.
Shopping tips Choose squash that is very hard: press firmly all over to make sure the rind isn’t soft (a sign of immaturity or improper storage). Look for vivid colors — the skin color should not look washed out. Later in the year, after the squash has been stored, the skin color may fade as the flesh becomes sweeter. Also, the skin should not look shiny — a
Storage tips Store squash in a cool spot with good air circulation (not the refrigerator, but a cool pantry or cellar) for up to a month. If you buy pre-cubed squash at your market, make sure the pieces are dry, firm and vivid in color, and use promptly. Avoid those that look wet or desiccated, with sunken striations in the flesh.
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Ongoing
TECH SUPPORT FOR SENIORS
and roasted or for purees. Kabocha: A name for a set of squash varietals from Japan with consistently deep, honey-scented flavors. Red kuri: Now sometimes called “red curry,� a relative of the kabocha with many seeds, less meat, and with a deep, pearscented taste. Spaghetti: Oblong, yellow and mild in flavor, when cooked its flesh yields myriad threads, sort of like little spaghetti strands, best removed with a fork. EatingWell.com is a magazine and website devoted to healthy eating as a way of life. Š 2020 Meredith Corporation. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Farm bus
local food system and uplift our communities through local food.� Farm to Family offers weekly and biweekly subscriptions to its CSA program. All food and products are grown and sourced within 150 miles of Lilly’s store at 2817 Mechanicsville Turnpike. Delivery is available for $10 to those within five miles of the store. Several area pick-up locations are also offered. To reach Farm to Family, call (804) 3977337 or (804) 728-1343. To subscribe or for more information, visit its website at thefarmbus.com or its Facebook page, facebook.com/Farm2Family.
From page 4
Telehealth Access for Seniors provides online resources to help set up Gmail accounts, access free Wi-Fi, and use MyChart to facilitate successful telehealth appointments. Visit www.telehealthforseniors.org.
Ongoing
Varieties to try Acorn: A moderately sized variety almost always available in supermarket bins, even in the summer. The flesh can be watery; prolonged cooking concentrates the flavor. Buttercup: An old-fashioned squash with a characteristic little cap at the stem. Full of natural sugars and fiber, it’s a delectable treat in midwinter. Butternut: Perhaps the most versatile winter squash, sweet and light when cooked, but also substantial — and thus able to stand up to both long cooking and quick sautÊs. Hubbard: Available in blue or gold varieties with somewhat warty skins. Ranges in size from 5 to 40 pounds; perfect cubed
FREE COVID-19 TESTING Chesterfield County is providing free, walk-up COVID-19 testing at multiple locations throughout the county on multiple days. For
specific dates, times and locations, visit http://bit.ly/FreeCovidTestinginCC.
home-canned jams and other pantry items. When he’s not transporting food, Lilly is a sought-after speaker on food security. Along with his wife, Suzi, he heads the Richmond Mayor’s Food Policy Council Sub-committee on Food Security. In his public speaking appearances, Lilly hopes to inspire others. His mission, he said, is “to create a local, regenerative, highly resilient model that others can follow. “Our goal is to support and sustain a
AT IMPERIAL PLAZA, WE’RE TRANSFORMING WHAT SENIOR LIVING MEANS AND DOING IT IN A BOLD, NEW WAY. :H HPEUDFH LW QXUWXUH LW DQG UHGHƓQH LW ZLWK HYHU\WKLQJ ZH GR )URP H[FLWLQJ DFWLYLWLHV LQVSLULQJ IULHQGVKLSV DQG EROG VDIHW\ PHDVXUHV ,PSHULDO 3OD]D KHOSV OHDG \RX ŋ RU \RXU ORYHG RQH ŋ WR D PRUH HQULFKLQJ OLIH VISIT US AT IPSENIORLIVING.COM
BOLD 866.509.7360 INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
9
Swallowing issues are common, treatable By Magnus Halland, M.D. Dear Mayo Clinic: My mother is in her 80s and sometimes has trouble swallowing when she’s eating. She says it’s not bothering her much, but I feel like it’s starting to affect how much and how often she eats. Is there anything that can be done to treat this problem? A: It’s likely your mother’s problem with swallowing can be better understood and potentially helped, but it will require a medical evaluation. Having difficulty swallowing is a common concern that has several possible explanations. A thorough assessment of your mother’s condition can uncover the cause and guide treatment. When a person is having trouble swallowing — the medical term is dysphagia — the first step is to identify the point in the swallowing process where the problem is happening. There are two phases of swallowing. The first is the oropharyngeal phase. It involves the mouth and throat. The second is the esophageal phase. It involves the transport of food or fluids from the throat into the stomach through the esophagus (food pipe). Determining whether swallowing difficulty is related to oropharyngeal transfer or esophageal transit often can be accom-
Supplements From page 7 than the recommended daily values can increase the risk of side effects. But be aware that vitamins and minerals are being added to a growing number of foods, including breakfast cereals and beverages. If you’re also taking supplements, you may be getting more of some nutri-
plished by reviewing the symptoms people experience when they swallow.
First phase difficulties The oropharyngeal phase requires proper function of muscles in the palate, as well as appropriate tongue motion and airway protection during swallowing. This all happens in a coordinated sequence that allows for smooth transit of food and fluid from the mouth, through the throat and into the top of the esophagus. With oropharyngeal issues, patients typically begin to choke, cough or gag almost immediately after attempting to swallow. Material may come out the nose or slip out of the mouth. If an oropharyngeal problem is suspected, a healthcare provider may ask a patient to drink some water so the provider can observe what happens. When an oropharyngeal problem seems to be the cause, a pharyngeal swallowing study typically is performed with X-rays. This study can reveal structural issues, or problems with muscle coordination or strength in the mouth or throat. Conditions that cause oropharyngeal swallowing difficulties include many neurological diseases, such as stroke and Parkinson’s disease. ents than you realize. Your healthcare provider can help you evaluate your diet and decide if you need the supplements that you’re taking. The bottom line is that, although nutritional and herbal supplements may be useful, they aren’t risk-free. By talking with your healthcare provider about the supplements you take, and discussing their potential benefits and risks, you’ll gain a bet-
Has COVID got you down? Feeling alone? Come see what life is like at Spring Arbor!
ter understanding of the value those supplements have for your health overall.
Most problems are treatable Specific treatment for swallowing difficulty depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, however, problems with swallowing can be relieved or significantly reduced once the source is identified. It is important to address dysphagia. Not only can swallowing difficulty interfere with nutrition and potentially trigger unhealthy weight loss, it can also cause quality of life issues. Some people who have swallowing difficulty are embarrassed by it and avoid socializing in settings that involve food. That can lead to social isolation and potentially depression. Encourage your mother to see her healthcare provider for an evaluation soon. — Magnus Halland, M.D., Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org. — Rozalina McCoy, M.D., Community Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Nov. 19
THE GREATER RICHMOND COMMUNITY JOB FAIR
Reliant Hiring Solutions is hosting a community job fair on Thurs., Nov. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. This in-person event brings together job seekers and employers throughout the region. Registration is optional. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/ReliantJobFair.
Talking it through, helping you choose, getting answers, finding resources—human care.
Call to schedule a virtual tour today! Following all COVID guidelines.
Spring Arbor of Richmond
Call a licensed independent sales agent for a free consultation* JOHN W ZACHARY 788474 804-382-7684 (TTY: 711) Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ZACHARYJW2@AOL.COM
Residential Assisted Living & Memory Care Henrico, VA
Residential Assisted Living Midlothian, VA
(804) 897-2727
In the esophageal phase, the muscles of the esophagus have to contract and relax in a coordinated fashion to move food to the stomach. The passageway within the esophagus also must be wide enough to allow food through it easily. If the problem is related to esophageal transit, the material clears the patient’s mouth and throat without incident, and he or she can breathe easily. But the patient feels as if something is stuck behind the breastbone or there is pain in the esophagus while swallowing. Eventually what was swallowed will typically pass, but in some cases the material is regurgitated. If it appears to be an esophageal concern, the first test usually is endoscopy. During this procedure, a thin, flexible and lighted instrument, called an endoscope, is passed down the throat so the doctor can see into the esophagus to check for blockages, narrowing, inflammation or other structural issues. In some cases, tissue samples may be taken. If narrowing of the esophagus is found, expansion of the esophagus may be performed during an endoscopy, too. When results of an endoscopy are normal, the focus shifts to a possible esophageal
motility problem or muscle dysfunction, although generally these disorders are uncommon. An esophageal muscle test, called “manometry,” can be used to measure muscle contractions in the esophagus.
When you need to choose a Medicare plan, Humana can help
Our residents enjoy lively activities, safe family visits on our porches, and daily interaction with our caring, compassionate staff 24 hours a day.
Spring Arbor of Salisbury
Second phase issues
It’s how you live that matters!
(804) 754-8700
Y0040_GHHHXDDEN_21_C
*No obligation to enroll.
10
Fitness & Health | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
How to safely dispose of unneeded meds Q: I missed National Drug Take Back Day. How can I safely get rid of medications I am no longer taking? A: One of the best ways to dispose of unneeded and unused over-the-counter and prescription medications is to drop them off at a location that will take back unused medications. The Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors National Drug Take Back Day events, typically in October and April. For more information, you can visit the DEA website at takebackday.dea.gov. But what if you missed a takeback event — or don’t feel comfortable visiting a drop-
off location? You still have options.
Check with a pharmacy One is to call your local pharmacy to see if they accept unused medications or if they know of any pharmacies that do. Often a pharmacy near you will take back medications all year and then safely dispose of them. Some pharmacies charge a fee to take back unused medications, so you may want to call first. The second option is to do it yourself. There are two simple methods to safely dispose of medications at home. The first is to remove the medication
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Nov. 20
JOINT REPLACEMENT
An orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement program coordinator from the Virginia Hospital Center will discuss joint replacement techniques, treatments and rehabilitation. This free online event takes place on Fri., Nov. 20 from 8 to 9 a.m. Register at http://bit.ly/VHCJointReplacement.
Nov. 13+
FREE TREES
To celebrate this year’s ArborDayRVA, the City of Richmond is distributing 10,000 free Eastern Redbud seedlings at citywide pickup sites, including many schools and libraries. For a list of sites and times to pick up a free tree, visit reforestrichmond.org/pickup-locations-times or call (804) 543-7442.
from its original container, crush the med- on living things in the environment. ication, add a small amount of water, and To make sure that the medications you then mix it with coffee have are appropriate to flush grounds or kitty litter before down the toilet, refer to the disposing in the trash. Food and Drug AdministraThis makes the medication tion “flush list.” You can acunappealing to children and cess the list at: fd a . g o v / pets. It also makes it hard to m e d i a / 1 0 9 6 4 3 / download. find or use if someone is searchUltimately, the best way to ing trash to find medications get rid of unneeded over-the(such as opioid pain killers). counter and prescription medFor liquid medications, mix ications is to take advantage them with kitty litter or flour of community drug takeback DR. RX to absorb the liquid. To preprograms or the DEA National By Adwoa Nyame vent the medication from leakPrescription Drug Take Back ing out, place the mixture in a sealable Days. plastic bag or an empty can. Make sure to But if you cannot participate in official remove or redact any personal information drug takeback events, you should still do on the bottle to protect your identity. your part and safely dispose of unused or outdated medications. Flushing not recommended Proper drug disposal is important to deThe second way to dispose of medications crease the risk of unintended medication at home is to flush them down the toilet. exposure to people or animals, as well as to But be very careful: Flushing is only decrease negative effects on the environrecommended if a takeback method is not ment. easily available and when the medication Adwoa Nyame is a fourth-year pharmacy is extremely harmful to others in your student at VCU School of Pharmacy. She rehousehold (such as opioids). ceived her undergraduate degree in chemFlushing is not recommended for many istry at Salisbury University. She plans to common medications because drugs can pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist eventually wind up in lakes, rivers and with areas of interest in oncology, internal streams, which could have negative effects medicine and critical care.
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
11
Can ice cream be healthy — or healthier? By Matthew Kadey When it comes to frosty treats, ice cream reigns supreme. These days, you may have noticed that low-calorie options ranging in flavors from Birthday S’mores to Cookie Dough are one of the coolest food trends in the supermarket freezer aisle. Their growth owes largely to a desire for wellness, even in the dessert world. But isn’t healthy ice cream an oxymoron? Well, certain ice cream brands are promising consumers a way to satisfy their ice cream cravings minus the caloric pitfall. Labels touting fewer calories, more protein and less sugar should theoretically let you dig in with fewer waistline repercussions. But are these eat-the-whole-pint-style treats a godsend for health-conscious eaters who also scream for ice cream?
How the types differ Regular ice cream contains more regular sugar and more cream — meaning more fat calories — than its low-cal brethren, whose core ingredients tend to be skim milk, milk protein (hence, the higher protein count) and a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol. Other inclusions in the low-cal type can be flavorings, gums, thickeners and added fibers, such as corn fiber, that help give the products a taste and texture similar to regular ice cream. There are also dairy-free options on the market, which swap out the cow’s milk for almond or coconut “milk,” a good option for vegans or those who can’t tolerate dairy. Lower-calorie ice creams have been around for years, but the newer crop of creamy treats boasts a more drastic reduction, a stingy 300 to 360 calories per pint. So, a whole pint of “healthier” ice cream
can have the same calorie count as just a half-cup of a premium version. But ideas regarding portion control for desserts and snacks may become skewed as a result.
Portion size can be an issue “One of the biggest drawbacks of these types of ice creams is that many individuals rationalize, because of the low calories, that they can eat more, and [so] lose sight of the actual intended serving size,” said Keri Gans, R.D., author of The Small Change Diet. One study found that foods advertised as “low-fat” may lead people to eat up to 50% more than they might if no claim is made. Though the 300-calorie pints may seem less indulgent, if people eat them too often, they may gain weight. “A portion of ice cream, even the lowercalorie stuff, should be no more than twothirds of a cup,” Gans advised. But she said these ice creams can be a good way for people to cut back on their saturated fat intake if they are regular ice cream consumers. Many of these lightened-up ice creams contain extra amounts of protein — up to 20 grams in a pint, which, sure, can add a boost of this nutrient to your diet. But most Americans already eat enough protein, and it certainly shouldn’t be a motivating factor to eat more dessert. “At the end of the day, a low-calorie ice cream is still ice cream,” Gans said. “It doesn’t compare to the nutritional benefits of other higher protein foods, such as yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled egg, nuts or edamame.” A three-ounce piece of chicken breast or one and a quarter cups of black beans delivers the same amount of protein as a whole pint of “high-protein” ice cream.
Sugar substitutes and cravings While many brands use less-caloric sugar alternatives like stevia and erythritol to help keep calorie counts down, research suggests relying on them is no guarantee for lasting weight loss success. No- or lower-calorie sweeteners may simply work to stoke a sweet tooth, leading to an increased intake of sugary calories elsewhere in the diet. Gans stressed, however, that these alternatives have been proven safe for consumption, so they may be beneficial to those with diabetes who want to enjoy a bowl of ice cream. Just remember that while these newfangled ice creams are lower in sugar, they’re not necessarily sugar-free. The amount of sugar can vary by brand, so it’s important
to read labels to know how much you’re getting in a serving. It’s also worth noting cost. For getting less (calories, fat, sugar), you will pay more. These gentrified ice creams can cost up to 50% more than the traditional options. In the end, if you are yearning for ice cream, go ahead and wedge in a small amount of whichever type you want — calorie-stingy or high-fat — as long as you do so in the context of an overall balanced diet. As always, moderation is your friend. Reprinted with permission from Environmental Nutrition, a monthly publication of Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1-800-8295384, EnvironmentalNutrition.com. © 2020 Belvoir Media Group
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Nov. 12
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING 101
Learn more about advance care planning with Honoring Choices Virginia. This free event takes place via Zoom on Thurs., Nov. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. To learn more and register, visit http://bit.ly/AdvanceCarePlanning101.
Daily
VIRTUAL MEMORY SCREENINGS
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America now offers free virtual memory screenings every weekday. To make an appointment, call (888) 232-8484. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/MemoryScreenings.
12
Fitness & Health | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Evaluate hoarseness if it doesn’t go away By Diana Orbelo Dear Mayo Clinic: For the past few weeks, I have had a hoarse voice, even though I don’t have a cold. Is this something I should be concerned about? A: It’s not uncommon to experience hoarseness once in a while, especially with a cold or even after cheering loudly at a sporting event. But when a hoarse voice doesn’t go away after three to four weeks, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider. That’s because hoarseness can be more than a temporary nuisance and can result from numerous treatable problems. Your voice is created when air from your lungs flows up through the vocal cords — also called vocal folds — in your voice box, or larynx. The vocal cords are made up of layers of delicate tissue from an elastic surface to deeper tissue of muscle, all within a cartilage framework. As air passes through the vocal cords, they vibrate, producing sound. Alone, this sound is similar to a buzzing sound, but when the sound travels through your vocal tract, throat, mouth and nose, you shape this sound into speech. Laryngitis is when the vocal cords are swollen and inflamed, a common cause of hoarseness. Most cases of laryngitis come
on quickly and are cleared up in a few days to two weeks. Most often, laryngitis is associated with a viral respiratory infection, such as a cold, or extended periods of talking or singing. In the case of respiratory infections, simple self-care tips that may help healing include drinking plenty of liquids, using throat lozenges or hard candy, and resting your voice for a few days. When laryngitis occurs after talking, singing or yelling at a sporting event, selfcare also may help. This is considered phonotrauma and can cause long-term and even permanent damage if the situation is repeated.
Get checked after three weeks When hoarseness lasts more than three weeks, or if you have other worrisome signs or symptoms such as a lump in your neck, pain when speaking or difficulty swallowing, it’s time to see your healthcare provider. That’s because the list of potential causes grows much larger. Your healthcare provider will review your medical history, symptoms and any potentially triggering factors. A visual inspection of your vocal cords may be performed with a mirror or a small camera attached to a thin, flexible tube. The quality of your voice also may be
evaluated. For example, your voice may sound breathy or weak, or have a tremor quality that may offer clues to the source of the medical problem. In some cases, tests used to measure voice irregularities, airflow and other characteristics can help reach a diagnosis. When laryngitis lasts longer than a few weeks, it’s considered chronic. This may be due to ongoing infection, smoking, allergies, other irritants, persistent vocal strain or reflux. Certain medications also can affect your voice. Hoarseness due to chronic laryngitis typically improves by eliminating the underlying cause. This may mean not smoking, learning to use your voice more efficiently, and treating any allergies, reflux or other infection. If medications seem to be the culprit, ask your healthcare provider for ways to minimize this side effect. For example, if you are using a diskustype inhaler for asthma, you may benefit from using a spacer to reduce depositing the medicine in your throat instead of your lungs. Also, if you use an inhaler, it is important to gargle and rinse your mouth after use. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, commonly known as ACE inhibitors, can cause throat irritation and
dry cough. Many other medications can cause dryness. Hoarseness also can be caused by noncancerous growths along the vocal folds. These include small vocal cord swellings (polyps), calluslike patches (nodules) or small encapsulated lesions (cysts). These may be due to phonotrauma, and smoking and reflux can be contributing factors. Lesions often heal by eliminating irritants, and with voice therapy. Surgery may be needed to remove persistent lesions.
The role of aging, other causes Aging is another factor that can affect your voice. Vocal cords can naturally lose some tone and fullness as you age, often resulting in your voice sounding breathy or weak. Voice therapy is a common treatment, but if these changes greatly impair your ability to communicate, your healthcare provider may recommend a surgical procedure in which an injection is used to add bulk and fullness to your vocal cords. Other causes of hoarseness include vocal cord spasm, cancer, and complications of other conditions that affect areas of the brain that control muscles in the See HOARSENESS, page 13
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Fitness & Health
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
13
Ginger reduces pain, may boost memory Ginger is something you’ve probably medicinal actions in the body. walked past a thousand times in the groIn studies with people who ate dried gincery store and may have ger spice in their meals, 75% passed up. experienced relief from It has some incredible mearthritic pain and swelling. dicinal benefits and offers peoGinger contains dozens of ple a natural approach to many compounds that have pharailments. Many women use macological activity. ginger for morning sickness Sometimes you have to heat during pregnancy. or dry the ginger to extract a Sometimes you see it crysspecific compound. For examtallized with sugar to improve ple, zingerone is negligible in flavor. But today I’m talking DEAR fresh ginger; however, cookabout the fresh ginger root PHARMACIST ing it transforms the gingerol you can buy in food markets. to zingerone. Fortunately, the By Suzy Cohen dried (powdered) ginger spice Pain relief, including arthritis does contain zingerone. We may think of fresh or powdered ginZingerone is well researched, and it’s inger as a flavor agent, but ginger is power- credible. Studies have determined that it ful medicine. It is an antioxidant and a reduces inflammation, regulates blood strong analgesic. sugar, eases muscle pain and spasms, Known officially as Zingiber officinale, helps with arthritis, speeds fat breakdown ginger contains many therapeutic com- and ramps up immune function. pounds, all of which have well-documented In an animal study, ginger compounds
Hoarseness From page 12 throat or larynx, including Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Because your hoarseness has lasted for more than three to four weeks, I recom-
mend that you be evaluated by your healthcare provider, who will likely send you to see an ear nose and throat doctor. Your care team can get to the root of the problem and offer treatment options based on the underlying cause. — Diana Orbelo, Ph.D., Otolaryngology,
Are You A Veteran? +
Sitter & Barfoot Veterans Care Center is a Long-Term Care & Short-Term Rehab Facility that opened in January 2008. This facility was built specifically for our Virginia Veterans. Located conveniently on the campus of the McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, this state-of-the-art facility is owned and operated by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Ginger can block your enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is good because that reduces ROS (reactive oxygen species). The fact that ginger can degrade these ROS free radicals means it protects your DNA and mitochondria. In fact, ginger promotes mitochondrial health. Mitochondria store energy for you in the form of ATP, and ginger root increases ATP production, according to one NIH study last year. If you have liver disease or hepatic injury (for example, alcohol-related, or hepatitis), consider ginger in all of your recipes
because studies show that zingerone has a hepatoprotective effect. Here’s another fun fact: Ginger might have some heavy-metal binding abilities, because it can reduce cadmium levels, according to animal studies. It can also reduce the body’s burden of organophosphate pesticides. If you have a PON1 gene, make ginger your friend! Not only does ginger spice up your recipes, it makes for a quick and delicious tea. Look for a recipe on my website, as well as a free ebook called Spices that Heal. Ginger is a delicious, safe and affordable way to improve health while adding a warming spice to your meals. This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement. Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and the author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe. To contact her, visit SuzyCohen.com.
Head and Neck Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource
and doesn’t replace regular medical care. Email a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit mayoclinic.org.
protected rodents from brain damage and memory loss, so now drug companies are trying to morph it and patent it into an Alzheimer’s drug. I say just eat it! However, it can thin the blood, so you have to avoid or minimize it if you are taking anticoagulant medications.
Fights free radicals
Please patronize our advertisers.
14
Fitness & Health | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
More protein, yes; protein powder, maybe By Emily Gelsomin Eating enough protein is not just for athletes or would-be Schwarzenegger types. Protein is necessary for a healthy immune system and required for organs like your heart, brain and skin to function properly. The nutrient is also touted for its ability to help control appetite and enhance muscle growth. How much protein you need typically depends on your exercise routine, age and health. (With age, many of us need more. See below.)
A look at protein powders Whether to supplement protein intake with a protein powder has become a common query. To make such supplements, protein is extracted from animal- or plant-based sources, which range from cow’s milk and eggs to peas, rice and soy. During processing, naturally occurring carbohydrates, fats, minerals and fiber are often removed, while supplementary nutrients, herbs and even sweeteners and flavorings may be added. Anyone considering protein powder should understand that it is classified as a dietary supplement, which means it is not regulated in the same way as food or medicine. Responsibility falls on manufacturers
to ensure that their products are not hazardous, though many companies do not test for safety or efficacy before their offerings hit shelves. Though the FDA created Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to help minimize adverse issues, compliance with these procedures isn’t guaranteed. In 2017, roughly a quarter of supplement-manufacturing companies whose products were tested received citations related to purity, strength and ingredient content. That said, there are accredited organizations, like NSF International, which independently test supplements, including protein powders. NSF’s “Certified for Sport” designation ensures that contents match what is on the label, the product is GMP-registered, and the powder does not contain unsafe levels of toxic metals like arsenic and mercury.
How much protein do you need? The amount of protein thought to be adequate for most healthy people, called the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), is set at 0.8 grams per kilogram. For someone who weighs 150 pounds, this translates to roughly 55 grams of protein; a 200-pound person requires about 70 grams of protein. Certain athletes undergoing intense training may enhance their progress by
consuming more than double the RDA, but this doesn’t apply to most of us. For many people, it is relatively easy to reach recommended amounts through their usual diet. One egg, one half-cup of chickpeas or a small handful of nuts all provide roughly 6 grams of protein. A piece of chicken or fish the size of a deck of cards offers about 30 grams. On average, Americans consume 65 to 90 grams of protein each day. (Young women under the age of 19 and people older than 70 are more likely to be at risk for low protein intake.) Individuals with kidney disease often benefit from consuming marginally less protein than the RDA. They should talk to a healthcare provider before supplementing with protein.
More may help older adults Older adults may benefit from increasing protein slightly, regardless of their exercise routine. Research suggests older adults and exercisers looking to support muscle growth may benefit from eating one-and-a-half to two times as much protein as the RDA. As we age, we lose muscle, and research shows boosting protein may help increase strength and lean body mass. But unless you have a restricted diet, such as a strict plant-based or vegan regi-
men, this increase is often still achievable through food. For those looking to enhance the muscle growth that typically occurs with exercise, evidence supports consuming 20 to 40 grams of protein at a time (roughly the amount found in a can of tuna). Larger quantities simply contribute calories and can actually reduce muscle-building potential. So, having several scoops of protein powder at once is unlikely to be helpful. Plant-based powders often have less protein, but shouldn’t be discarded as an option. Rice and pea protein, for example, have been shown to stimulate muscle growth similar to whey, a milk-based protein touted for its high quality and quick absorption. Unless you are an older adult with a limited appetite, have a restricted diet, or are a trained professional athlete, chances are you can adjust your food intake to get what you need. Protein from food is often cheaper, carries fewer risks, and naturally includes beneficial nutrients. If increasing protein the old-fashioned way is not an option, taking a supplement can be both effective and convenient. But most of us don’t need to channel our inner Mr. Olympia by using a protein powder. Emily Gelsomin, M.L.A., R.D., L.D.N., is a contributor to Harvard Health Publications. © 2020 by Harvard University
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
r of Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging
Executive Director’s Message Dr. Thelma Bland Watson Executive Director, Senior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging In November, we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month. In the Richmond Region, this is a time for us to call attention to the significant and outstanding contributions that caregivers (family members and friends) provide every day of the year. This care helps to maintain and improve the quality of life for thousands of older adults in the Greater Richmond Region who are faced with chronic illnesses, injuries, or may be patients leaving hospitals, residents of long-term care facilities, veterans with disabilities and so many others. As we observe National Caregivers Month, we recognize that quality of life is essential for all ages. At Senior Connections, our major focus is to address the needs of older adults and caregivers and to help them improve their overall quality of life by identifying and using available resources. Our vision for the future is “seniors with improved quality of life.” In this issue of Engage at Any Age, the focus is on caregiving and resources to support caregivers. As we recognize the importance of caregiving, it is also an appropriate time to call attention to the significant support local governments provide for caregivers. More than ever, due to both the challenges and barriers presented by COVID-19, caregivers need support and assistance. The localities of Virginia Planning District 15 (the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent, Powhatan and the City of Richmond) along with PlanRVA are all commended for their support to caregivers in countless ways. The needs of caregivers are addressed through planning, education, services, resources, advocacy and, most recently, with assistance from the CARES Act for COVID19 help. In closing, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize our Board Member Emerita, See DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE, page B-3
The White House Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release
October 31, 2020
President Donald J. Trump Proclaims November 2020 as National Family Caregivers Month NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH, 2020 ------BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Each day in homes throughout our Nation, Americans with chronic or terminal illnesses, functional zimpairment, or disabilities receive compassionate care and support from family members and loved ones. During National Family Caregivers Month, we salute the more than 40 million people in the United States who serve as unpaid caregivers. With generous hearts and faithful devotion, they honor the sanctity of life and affirm the inherent value of all human beings. Caregivers work long days and spend countless hours to meet and anticipate the needs of their loved ones, often facing challenges that can seem impossible to navigate. Errands, medical appointments, transportation, meal preparation, grooming, and companionship can consume significant time and effort, especially when caregivers must balance these duties with the pressures and responsibilities of their own lives, including employment and raising children. In spite of all of this, these extraordinary moms and dads, sons and daughters, siblings and friends showcase compassion and selflessness for the ones they love. Their faithfulness and dedication are indicative of the generosity of the American Spirit and reflect the very best of our Nation. Because of the essential role they play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of those most in need, family caregivers deserve our unending support. In 2018, I signed into law two pieces of legislation, the RAISE Family Caregivers Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act, which provide for the development of strategies and support networks for family caregivers. Over the last year, the Advisory Councils created by these acts have made significant progress toward raising awarene ss and giving a voice to family caregivers. The work of these Councils, led by the Administration for Commu nity Living at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will yield a National Caregiv ing Strategy in 2021 that will include recommended actions that States, communities, health systems, and other private-sector entities and stakeholders can take to improve the lives and conditions of family caregivers. Working alongside existing initiatives like HHS’s National Family Caregiver Support Program, we are ensuring that family caregivers have the resources they need to provide essential care and support for their loved ones. Our great veterans living with illness or injury are one of the largest groups who receive care from family members and friends. These caregivers, more than 5 million strong, play a vital role in the lives of these extraordinary men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country. In order to improve services and outcomes for patients and families who are dealing with the stress and uncertai nty of caregiving, the Department of Veterans Affairs established the first National Center of Excellen ce for veteran and caregiver research. The advances made through this initiative, coupled with the resource s and capabilities made available through the VA MISSION Act, which I signed into law in 2018, are helping to educate and equip families with the tools they need to provide even better care for our Nation’s veterans . America’s heroes have earned and deserve our respect and gratitude, and their caregivers deserve the same. Family caregivers provide a vital lifeline of connection and hope to loved ones during challenging and uncertain days. These caregivers, who devote immeasurable time, energy, resource s and heart, need our understanding, support, gratitude and encouragement. Throughout this month, let us remember these men and women who spend their days caring for others, and let us pray that they are sustaine d by grace and strength as they carry on this important work. NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2020 as National Family Caregivers Month. I encourage all Americans to reach out to those who provide care for their family members, friends and neighbors in need, to honor and thank them. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of October , in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-fifth. DONALD J. TRUMP
B-1
B-2
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Senior Connections, CAAA
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Local Government Connections S
enior Connections, The Capital Area Agency on Aging, is the designated Area Agency on Aging for Planning District 15, consisting of the City of Richmond and the Counties of Charles City, Chesterfield, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, New Kent and Powhatan. Did you know Senior Connections has Care Coordinators serving each of these eight localities? Care Coordinators connect older adults in need to resources in the community. They discuss options for the future, determine what might be needed to accomplish long-term goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. Care Coordinators work with families who support the older adults in their life to help them find the best options of care for their loved ones. From arranging accessibility options, like ramps or grab bars, to assisting with finding resources for meals or inhome care, Senior Connections’ Care Coordinators are the “one-stop-shop” for making sure residents are aware of, and have access to, any and all resources that are available in the community.
City of Richmond The City of Richmond’s Office of Aging and Disability Services assist Richmond residents with aging in place through a well-coordinated network of communitybased services. Help navigating community-based services and supports is available for adults, 55 and older, and for adult individuals with physical and sensory disabilities. The Aging and Disabilities Help Line can be accessed by dialing (804) 646-1082. COVID-19 Programs & Services are: • conducting care coordination assessments by phone; • providing coordination of food distribution; • providing coordination of financial assistance programs to provide financial support with expenses such as mortgages, rent and utilities; • providing coordination of benefits and services such as SNAP, Medicaid, Adult Protective Services and more; • providing well-check calls to those who may be socially isolated; • providing assistance with accessing mobility devices and equipment, and • providing virtual and phone programs of engagement to help with social isolation and loneliness.
of food assistance; need to get connected with additional services, or have questions about Charles City County operations. COVID-19 heightened our awareness of food insecurity in Charles City County in part due to the number of families seeking assistance through the temporary food pantry established at the Charles City County Public Schools’ Vocational Building. Charles City County’s designation as a food desert characterizes it as a homeplace that compromises the health outcomes of residents simply by virtue of their location and the absence of convenient healthy food options. The County reached out to regional and state partners and was able to secure $22,000 in support from the Greater Richmond Community Foundation for the temporary food pantry and $500,000 from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to establish a permanent food pantry. Additional community benefactors support this effort, and County officials stated that the support of everyone is humbling and appreciated. Charles City County seeks to be innovative in addressing the food security needs of its constituents by advancing a mission perfectly espoused by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation which posits that, “Where we live shouldn’t determine how long or how well we live. In our communities, we all should be surrounded by conditions that enable us to live the healthiest life possible, such as access to healthy food, quality schools, stable housing, good jobs with fair pay, and safe places to exercise and play.”
Chesterfield Chesterfield County Office of
Aging & Disability Services Mission — Dedicated to providing information, resources, programs and engagement opportunities to residents age 50+, family members and caregivers who want to remain active, independent and vital contributors to their community. For additional information contact us via: Phone: (804) 768-7878 Email: AgingServices@chesterfield.gov Website: https://www.chesterfield.gov/ seniorservices Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ chesterfieldvaseniors/
Chesterfield Telephone Reassurance Program — “Reassuring Older Adults COVID-19 has greatly impacted older One Conversation at a Time” residents in Charles City County. As the
Charles City
community begins to re-open, the County remains committed to supporting the needs of older adult residents. The health and safety of Charles City residents is our top priority. Residents should call the Charles City hotline at (804) 652-4701 if they: have questions about where to get tested; are in need
The Telephone Reassurance Program enables volunteers to verify the well-being of county older adults who are disabled, live alone or feel isolated. The volunteers, who have been screened and trained, call program participants daily or weekly. If you know of any Chesterfield County older adults who would benefit from a
friendly phone call, please contact Chesterfield County Office of Aging & Disability Services at (804) 768-7878 or email AgingServices@chesterfield.gov
Chesterfield Council on Aging (CCA) The Council seeks county residents and professionals from all industries who are dedicated to actively supporting our mission: “To enhance the quality of life for older adults with disabilities in Chesterfield County through education, advocacy, and community service.” We invite you to explore our committees and CCA sponsored events to find where you can best contribute in terms of volunteering your time, resources or leadership. Membership is FREE. In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic, Chesterfield Council on Aging monthly educational programs have gone virtual, beginning April 2020. Please contact Chesterfield Office of Aging and Disability Services for information on future programs. The following presentations have been recorded and available to view by going to: https://www.chesterfield.gov/5027/Council-on-Aging-Meetings
Goochland Goochland County Department of Social Services’ staff is working 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and available to assist clients by phone during those hours. Applicants may apply for benefits online at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/, by phone at 1-855-635-4370, or for Medical Assistance only at 1-855-242- 8282 (TDD: 1-888-221-1590). If a replacement EBT card is needed, the client may call 1866-281-2448 or Goochland Department of Social Services at (804) 556-5880.
Goochland Community Action Program Applicants making less than 125% of the federal poverty level can apply for up to $500 in assistance per year with utilities, rent, mortgage or medical supplies. The program also offers a food voucher. The voucher is used at the local Food Lion and offers up to $100 dollars in nutritious groceries. Options include milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, bread, chicken, beef, orange juice, rice, select vegetables and fruits, flour, crackers, peanut butter. Seniors can also select three packs of nutritional supplements (Ensure, Boost, etc.). Call (804) 556.5880
Critical Home Repair A partnership between Goochland Cares and Goochland Community Action offers citizens help maintaining a safe and healthy living environment. Goochland Community Action program allocates $30,000 to Goochland Cares for their Home Repair Program. For more informa-
tion and eligibility requirements, contact Angie Shiflett at Goochland Care at (804) 556.6260.
Goochland Cares Medical Transportation Goochland Cares provides rides to and from medical appointments, inside and outside of the county, for clients without transportation. (Goochland County does not offer public transportation.) You must sign up ahead of time to use this service. Call at least 24 hours before your medical appointment. For more information, contact Goochland Cares at (804) 556.6260.
Medicaid/SNAP Goochland Department of Social Services is the administrator of the Medicaid and SNAP program. The agency processes applications for Medicaid insurance and SNAP. Medicaid coverage includes community-based care and nursing home placement.
Hanover Hanover Fall Resources and Reminders for Our Seniors from Hanover County Are you a Hanover resident who is facing challenges with mortgage, rent, utility or food expenses due to the coronavirus national emergency? Financial assistance is available. Hanover County has partnered with United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg to distribute funding to a number of community partners to help those who need direct assistance during this time. For older adults, Senior Connections is one of the partners that has received Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to assist seniors during the pandemic. For assistance from Senior Connections, call (804) 343-3000. For more information about other organizations serving Hanover residents through these funds, visit the Hanover County website, www.hanovercounty.gov, click the Quick Link for CARES Act Funding for Nonprofits. All funds must be expended by December 31, 2020.
“Making Holidays Bright” Wish List Are you looking for ways to make the holidays bright for someone in need? Hanover County Dept. of Community Resources has compiled its annual “Making Holidays Bright” wish list from local organizations. The listing offers various ways that local civic clubs, groups, faith communities, businesses and individuals can make a difference for others this holiday season. The list includes opportunities to volunSee GOVT. CONNECTIONS, page B-3
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
Govt. Connections From page B-2 teer, sponsor a friend, collect or create items or make a donation. You can download the list from www.HanoverVolunteers.org or call (804) 365-4300 to obtain a copy.
Hanover Employees Support Senior Connections’ Seniors with “THANK-FALL” Gift Bags What senior doesn’t deserve a little kindness right now? Hanover County employees will be donating toiletries, small activities/puzzles, note cards and other treats to show their thanks and compassion to Hanover Seniors. Youth from the Hanover Youth Service Council will be assembling the bags, which will be delivered to Friendship Café participants and other homebound seniors.
Hanover DASH Specialized Transportation Did you know that there is an affordable transportation option for Hanover residents aged 60 and over or those under 60 who have a short-term or long-term disability? Hanover DASH will celebrate its first full year of service on December 12. So far, the program has provided more than 1,700 rides, including trips to medical appointments, shopping, banking, other personal business, formal social supports, employment and county government buildings. The service area includes Hanover county and seven miles outside the county boundaries, as well as additional medical facilities such as the Hunter McGuire VA Hospital and medical facilities at Stony Point. Transportation is provided curb-to-curb or door-to-door as needed. Wheelchair vans, medical sedans, taxis and rideshare transportation are available to provide personalized transportation and greater independence for registered riders. Masks and hand sanitizer can be mailed to registered riders upon request. This countywide specialized transportation service is funded by a grant from the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Hanover County. For more details, visit www.HanoverDASH.org or call (804) 365-DASH (3274).
Hanover’s Senior Services Specialist Did you know that Hanover Community Resources has a Senior Services Specialist? Hanover’s Senior Services Specialist, Susan Richards, is available to assist you
Director’s message From page B-1 Mrs. Gloria Johnson, who has served in many capacities with honor and distinction. Mrs. Johnson, a long-time resident of Henrico County, has served with distinction on the Board of Directors for Senior Connections and numerous other organizations. Mrs. Johnson’s role as Board Member Emerita recognizes and exemplifies her outstanding contributions as retired educator, former caregiver, consummate volunteer and extraordinary community advocate.
Senior Connections, CAAA with information and referrals to local programs and services that best address your needs. Hanover also has an active Council on Aging appointed by the County Board of Supervisors to promote resources and services for positive aging. The Senior Services Specialist provides staff support to this Council. For more information, contact Susan Richards at (804) 365-4181 or email sdrichards@hanovercounty.gov
Henrico Henrico County’s EngAGE initiative recognizes the effects that social isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to the forefront. As a result, EngAGE has created programs and initiatives specifically combatting social isolation. Henrico County’s EngAGE initiative launched the EngAGEing Conversations: Telephone Reassurance program in July 2020 after transitioning the Outreach Call Center for Older Residents into a permanent program. EngAGEing Conversations provides a friendly, compassionate voice to older adults in our community who are feeling lonely and/or isolated. Volunteers conduct five- to ten-minute phone calls to four or five older adults each week during a two-hour volunteer shift. Older adult participants may be called up to three days per week for a friendly, social phone call. This is not intended to be an emergency system or case management service. However, if additional services are needed, the Advocate for the Aging will refer the participant to the appropriate resources. EngAGE at Home, a partnership with The Longevity Project, is the second way the EngAGE initiative is promoting social connectedness! Join us every Tuesday at 11 a.m. for our telephone-based activities sessions. Each session is one hour in length and takes place over the telephone from the comfort of your own home. Each week is a new topic ranging from Journaling, Senior Safety, Crime Fiction Book Talks and so much more! To sign up for any of these programs, contact Sara Morris, Henrico County Advocate for the Aging, at mor141@henrico.us or (804) 501-5065.
New Kent The past months have brought a whirlwind of changes, updates, returns and opportunities for reflection. The pandemic has offered us all an opportunity to examine what we do, challenge our preconWhen asked about caregiving, Mrs. Johnson shares her own experiences in caring for her husband, mother and daughter. She sums it up this way, “I consider caregiving like fruits of the spirit. It is done with love and comes from the heart. Every opportunity to serve is an opportunity to grow.” Thank you all for helping us recognize and celebrate November 2020 as a time for recognition, awareness and support in the midst of challenges and opportunities. Best wishes,
Dr. Thelma Bland Watson
ceived notions of how we do our business, and to look at new ways of doing the important work we perform. New Kent Social Services remains engaged and committed to serving the children, families and adults of New Kent County. Our agency remains “open for business” during these difficult times. Despite the limitations surrounding everyone’s daily lives, our agency continues to be responsible for receiving and responding to reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation of children and adults in our community. If you have a concern or question, please call (804) 966-1853, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You do not need to be “low-income” to call and ask for assistance and information. To report a concern afterhours, please call 1-800-552-7096. The residents of New Kent County now have a way to request Emergency Assistance online via the County website. The process is simple. From the DSS webpage on the County website, our residents can click on Apply Now and follow prompts to request emergency assistance. Once we receive the request, staff will follow up with the resident to determine what paperwork is appropriate, and will send the paperwork either through email or U.S. Mail to the client. This link will take you to the page: https://www.co.newkent.va.us/490/Apply-Now.
Upcoming Holidays The 11th Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast is November 26, 2020, noon to 4 p.m. at the Providence Forge Recreation Center located at 9900 Carriage Road, Providence Forge, VA. Due to COVID-19, this year will be a “Grab and Go.” The meal is “all you can eat” for 99 cents and is available to all citizens. The Forge Foundation sponsors this event. Please contact New Kent DSS at (804) 966-1853 for more information. Thanksgiving and Christmas — If you or anyone you know needs assistance, a
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
B-3
Thanksgiving meal, and/or gifts for Christmas during the holiday season, please contact New Kent Social Services at (804) 9661 8 5 3 o r v i s i t h t t p s : / / w w w. c o . n e w kent.va.us/490/Apply-Now.
Powhatan Powhatan County Department of Social Services processes applications for Medicaid and SNAP, investigates reports of abuse or neglect, and receives screening requests for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports. Call (804) 598-5630. Since COVID-19 began, Powhatan County continues to connect with seniors regularly through a number of outreach efforts with a goal to improve the livability of Powhatan for older adults. The Ride Assist Services (RAS) program through the Department of Social Services provides free transportation for basic needs to ambulatory adults who are unable to drive, are age 60 and over. Volunteer Drivers and Registered Riders in RAS adhere to outlined COVID-19 safety guidelines. Through supportive calls, food deliveries, distribution of donated items, and future events and activities being planned, Powhatan County Department of Social Services is responding to the expressed need for a greater sense of community and support among this part of its population. The Grandpals program in Powhatan works to connect the younger generation with older adults in the County. The program encourages interaction through the letters, stories and artwork of children of all ages. The goal is to support older adults during this time of isolation and uncertainty. To learn more about the programs and services available to assist older adults in Powhatan County, please contact Jayne Lloyd at (804) 698.0438 or RAServices.PVA@gmail.com.
B-4
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Senior Connections, CAAA
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Resources for Older Adults in Hanover County Are you a Hanover resident who is facing challenges with Food or Utility Expenses due to the coronavirus national emergency? Senior Connections has partnered with Hanover County and the United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg to help residents over 60 who need assistance through this time. Call Senior Connections at (804) 343-3000.
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
Money Law &
15
RETHINK MEDICARE COVERAGE Look closely at your current Medicare coverage and evaluate other options that could lower your costs during this year’s Open Enrollment period, from now until Dec. 7 NO TELLER NECESSARY The pandemic provides a good time to try making bank deposits and paying bills via computer or smartphone. Check out these answers to common questions about online banking
Avoid dirty money with no-touch payment By Gregory Karp If you’re looking for a self-improvement task in this pandemic era, try teaching yourself to use contactless payments with your phone or “tap-to-pay” credit and debit cards. Any germaphobe will tell you that the surfaces of bills and coins have always been gross. And handing your credit card to a cashier who has the sniffles and a hacking cough? Even in pre-pandemic times, gross. Now, COVID-19 has prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to advise using touchless payments whenever possible in the brick-and-mortar world. Americans have been relatively slow to adopt touch-free payments even though they’re more convenient and secure than swiping credit and debit cards. But maybe hygiene will be the tipping point as people seek a solution for, well, yucky money.
Simple and convenient “I think the pandemic is a strong impetus to change,” said Jodie Kelley, CEO of the Electronic Transactions Association. “I think it’s going to stick and accelerate further. “As people get used to it and understand how to do it and find that it’s simple and convenient, then they’re not going to shift back.” Consumer interest in contactless payments has spiked during the pandemic. Since January, no-touch payments have increased at 69% of retailers surveyed by the
research firm Forrester on behalf of the National Retail Federation. And two-thirds of retailers surveyed now accept some form of no-touch payment. Learning to use contactless payments might be awkward at first, and some of your favorite retailers might not be equipped to accept them. The point is to give it a shot the next time you’re not in a rush in a checkout line that can handle contactless payments. “The first time I went to pay with my phone, I didn’t quite know how to do it,” Kelley said. “I felt a little silly trying to figure it out. But once I figured it out, I loved it.” Here are three ways to experiment with contactless payments and avoid dirty currency and much-touched payment terminals:
Tap to pay True, the word “tap” doesn’t exactly scream contactless. But “tap to pay” credit and debit cards really only need to be within a couple of inches of the payment terminal. The cards have little antennas inside. How to tell if your payment card has contactless capability? It will have a logo that looks like a sideways Wi-Fi symbol of radiating waves. Retail payment terminals that accept contactless payments have the same symbol. These cards don’t require a smartphone to complete a contactless payment, and
you don’t have to use a PIN. Nine of the top 10 U.S. credit card issuers are actively distributing new contactless cards to customers, Visa has said. “For people who are not used to engaging with technology, I would say, first look at your card, see if it has the symbol. And if it does, the next time you’re at a retail location, all you have to do is touch that card to the terminal,” Kelley said. “It is incredibly straightforward. I encourage people to try it.”
Smartphone payments With this option, you open your “wallet” app and hold your phone near the terminal, and your phone will ask for authentication. That’s the normal unlocking procedure with your phone, whether punching in a code or using thumbprint or face identification. Many smartwatches work, too, as long as they have the required technology, called NFC, or near-field communication. The most popular services are Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Phone payments require a little prep work before you get to the checkout counter. First, you must enter your payment card information into your mobile wallet app. Then, the card is saved and available to use.
Touchless pay at the pump Many retailers, such as Starbucks and
Target, have mobile apps that let you pay on your phone and bypass in-person payment completely. In those cases, you typically would get items delivered or visit the store for curbside or in-store pickup. Another way to use a retail app is at major gas station chains. The apps (download them at an app store) let you identify which pump number you’re at, then authorize you to use it. You fill your tank with gas, and the charge goes to whatever payment method you identified in the gas-station app. Just be sure to clean your hands after using the pump nozzle.
Is it secure? As you beam your next payment to a retailer’s checkout terminal, you might wonder, “Will my credit card number be stolen?” The nontechnical answer is that it’s safer than the old method of swiping your card. That’s because the card or phone sends encrypted payment information to the terminal — it essentially masks your real credit card number. Even if the payment information was intercepted, it would be useless to a thief. “It’s an incredibly safe way to pay,” Kelley said. These days, in more ways than one. —AP/NerdWallet
A guide to giving for the greatest impact By Kiplinger Consumer News Service The recession and global pandemic are hitting charities where it hurts the most: in the wallet. Most fundraising professionals expect donations to decline in 2020 compared with previous years, a situation likely to continue through 2021, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Meanwhile, the need for charity is climbing, particularly to combat rising poverty, hunger and homelessness from the pandemic’s economic fallout. “There are so many needs that it can be overwhelming for donors,” said Una Osili, professor of economics and philanthropic studies at Indiana University and associate dean for research at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The U.S. has 1.6 million nonprofits, a
figure that has quadrupled in the last 40 years, according to Kevin Scally, chief relationship officer for Charity Navigator, which evaluates nonprofits and rates their effectiveness. Is it better to give to a large nonprofit or a small one? Should you go global or stay local? There’s no single answer, only ways to assess how your dollars might have the greatest impact for the causes you believe in.
Charity starts at home Adela Crandell Durkee, 69, donates recurring amounts to PBS, NPR and Catholic Family Charities, but beyond that has struggled to find national organizations to support. In the past, she and her daughter raised money for breast cancer through the Susan G. Komen walk, only to encounter
recriminations from family and friends who opposed the Komen Foundation’s support of Planned Parenthood. Durkee and her daughter donated hair to Locks of Love to make into wigs but then grew concerned that the organization wasn’t rated as favorably as others. “It got to be too much work for me to sort through all the threads and truly give consciously. So, I changed my tactic,” she said. “I try to pick things that are local and where I can see the direct impact.” Now, Durkee volunteers at a local food pantry, Habitat for Humanity and her church, where, she said, “the overhead is low and the feedback is plentiful.” Some donors give in concentric circles: one local charity, one regional, one national and one international.
“On the local level, you as a donor have more of a connection to the work being done,” Scally said. “On a national level, the benefit of supporting a larger organization is they have more resources to do more. In addition, many national organizations, especially the good ones, will have local partnerships.”
Philanthropy 101 Once you know the causes you want to support, visit websites such as Give.org and CharityNavigator.org that evaluate nonprofits, provide comparisons, and even suggest charities if you search by topic or Zip code. These websites provide details about a nonprofit’s activities, and some also rate See GIVING, page 16
16
Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See below
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Reevaluate your Medicare coverage now By Lifestyles After 50 It’s that time of year again: Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period. Each year from October 15 to December 7, current Medicare users are able to compare and switch their Medicare and Part D prescription drug plans, if wanted. New users are able to enroll during this period, so long as it is not their first time enrolling in Parts A or B. (Your initial enrollment period generally depends on the date you turn 65. If you miss that opportunity, your next one is during the “general” enrollment period, Jan. 1-March 31.)
According to MyMedicareMatters.org, a service of the National Council on Aging, here are the various changes you can make during this open enrollment period: —Anyone with Medicare Parts A & B can switch to a Part C (Medicare Advantage) plan. —Anyone with Medicare Part C can switch back to Parts A & B, or switch to a new Part C plan. —Anyone who has or is signing up for Medicare Parts A or B can join, drop or switch a Part D prescription drug plan. Any changes you make to your Medicare coverage plan during the 2020 open enroll-
Giving
Of course, check the nonprofit’s website for annual reports or newsletters. Evaluate the staff and board leadership, including their experience and background. “I like to look at their social media pages,” Webb said. “Sometimes they’re updated more frequently than the website.” For you to claim a tax deduction for your donation, the organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fiscally sponsored or structured as a donor-advised fund. You should be able to find the charity’s 990 form, which most nonprofits must file annually with the IRS, on irs.gov or through a service like Candid GuideStar or Foundation Center. This form contains financial results, revenue, expenses and the compensa-
From page 15 and rank charities according to financial efficiency, transparency and impact. Akira Barclay, a philanthropic consultant, noted that on these sites larger organizations tend to get higher ratings because they have the resources to collect data and present themselves in a favorable light. “A smaller nonprofit, just because they don’t have that concrete data, doesn’t mean they aren’t making an impact,” said Tracey Webb of Laurel, Maryland, a collective-giving expert and founder of Black Benefactors, which is based in Washington, D.C., and makes grants between $500 and $10,000.
11/20
ment period will be effective as of January 1, 2021.
Why bother? Each year, insurance companies are able to make various changes to their Medicare and Part D plans — including the doctors and prescriptions they cover and their various co-pays and deductibles. Naturally, these affect the out-of-pocket costs different consumers will face. You could also lose access to a trusted doctor. So, it’s highly recommended that you use the open enrollment period to re-evaluate tion of the nonprofit’s five most highly paid employees or contractors. Assess whether the organization is a responsible steward of resources by looking at its results, the percentage of revenue that goes to overhead, and the amount of cash it has on hand to meet operating costs. “If the organization isn’t sustainable, you may want to be a bit cautious,” Osili said.
The gift of time Besides giving money, “there’s also the volunteering of time, talent and testimony,” Osili added. “How do you support the organization? Do you post on social media? They could benefit from that testimony.” Consider volunteering, which can eventu-
your current plan and consider changing to another one that could save you money or improve your coverage. The benefits of annually evaluating your Medicare coverage plan, according to MyMedicareMatters.org, are these: —Switching to better prescription drug coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs and ensure drug plans still cover needed prescriptions. Research shows that the average consumer can save $300 or more annually if they review their Part D coverage. See MEDICARE COVERAGE, page 18
ally lead to service on the board of directors. “Donors that get involved in the organization tend to get more satisfaction,” Osili said.
Give as part of a group Consider joining or starting a collectivegiving group, which combines gifts for a greater impact. Some alumni do this by pooling contributions from a graduating class, for example. “Anyone who’s making a choice to give during this time, their generosity is appreciated,” Barclay said. “It’s so important right now, more than ever.” © 2020 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
17
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Law & Money
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
Trying online banking? FAQs answered By Chanelle Bessette As the COVID-19 pandemic leads banking customers to lean into technology to manage their money, those trying online banking for the first time may find themselves with questions about how to handle things previously done in person or with paper documents. If you’re stuck on how to handle some of the practical aspects of online banking, here are answers to common questions: Should I save monthly statements? Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, recommends keeping bank statements for tax purposes to confirm your income or deductible expenses. If you do end up using your statements for your taxes, you may want to hang onto your statements for up to seven years in case the IRS decides to audit you. Even if your bank keeps digital records of your statements, you may want to print or download your statements just in case. When should I shred the paper check from a mobile deposit? Major banks recommend that after you’ve made a mobile deposit, you write “mobile deposit” and the date of deposit on the front of the check. Keep the check until you’ve made sure the deposit has gone through — which may take several days — and that the bank doesn’t need the original check for any reason. Once the check has been cleared in
your account, it’s best to shred it. How do I send money or pay bills through my mobile banking app? If you want to send money to friends or family, your bank may have you covered with the Zelle money transfer service. Zelle, which is integrated with many major banks and also available as a separate app, allows registered users to receive and send money from their bank accounts. You can also sign up for money transfer apps like Venmo or Cash App and link them to your bank account to send and receive money, as long as your sender or recipient has the same app. To pay your bills online, your bank might have the option to set up recurring payments to services like your cell phone provider or utility company, allowing you to automate your monthly bills. Some banks can also send a check on your behalf if necessary. Wells Fargo, for example, offers online bill pay services, but you can also schedule paper checks to be sent for you if your service provider doesn’t accept electronic payments. Search your bank’s FAQs or reach out to its customer service department for details on its bill-pay features. What should I do if my mobile banking app isn’t working? It’s a universal truth that technology
comes with occasional frustrations. Sometimes banks experience app outages and sometimes there are problems on the user side. Here are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem: —Make sure your login credentials are correct. Entering an incorrect username and/or password is a common stumbling block and will prevent access to your account. Some banks might even lock you out after too many failed login attempts. If you’ve forgotten your login information, contact your bank’s tech support team. —Check your email and your bank’s social media accounts. Your bank may have posted on its Facebook or Twitter accounts or sent an email notification about any known app problems. Many consumers today also use their banks’ platforms to flag problems themselves. If there’s an outage, your bank may post information on how long it’s expected to last and how you can access your account in the meantime. Bookmark or follow your bank’s social
media accounts for quick access. —Update your app and/or your phone software. Your version of the app could be out of date, or your phone’s software may need updating to use a newer version of the app. Go to your phone’s app marketplace (e.g., Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for your bank’s app and see if there’s an option to update. —Get technical support from your bank. For help, reach out to your bank’s customer service representatives by phone, email or chat, if available. —Use your desktop login or visit a branch or ATM. If your app isn’t working, you may still be able to log in on a desktop computer. If your bank has physical branches, you should be able to get in-person service, although COVID-19 precautions may mean that hours are limited. If you’re trying to deposit a check or check your balance, you can use an ATM, as long as your bank offers use of a network. —AP/NerdWallet
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Ongoing
RETIREMENT RESOURCES FOR WOMEN
The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement offers online resources to help women improve their long-term financial security. Resources include retirement planning checklists, advice on saving and investing, and more. Visit wiserwomen.org.
Bring the natural benefits of sunlight indoors. Ever since the first human went into a dark cave and built a fire, people have realized the importance of proper indoor lighting. Unfortunately, since Edison invented the light bulb, lighting technology has remained relatively prehistoric. Modern light fixtures do little to combat many symptoms of improper lighting, such as eyestrain, dryness or burning. As more and more of us spend longer hours in front of a computer monitor, the results are compounded…and the effects of indoor lighting are not necessarily limited to physical well-being. Many people believe that the quantity and quality of light can play a part in one’s mood and work performance. Now there’s a better way to bring the positive benefits associated with natural sunlight indoors. Use the Balance Spectrum Floor Lamp...
...for hobbies
A floor lamp that spreads sunshine all over a room The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp will change the way you see and feel about your living or work spaces. Studies show that sunshine can lift your mood and your energy levels. But as we all know, the sun, unfortunately, does not always shine. So, to bring the benefits of natural daylight indoors, use the floor lamp that simulates the full spectrum of daylight. You will see with more clarity and enjoyment as this lamp provides sharp visibility for close tasks and reduces eyestrain. Its 27-watt compact bulb is the equivalent to a 150-watt ordinary light bulb. This makes it perfect for activities such as reading, writing, sewing, needlepoint, and especially for aging eyes.
...for reading
Experience sunshine indoors at the touch-of-a-switch. This amazing lamp is easy on the eyes and easy on the hands. It features a special “soft-touch, flicker-free” rocker switch that’s easier to use than traditional toggle or twist switches. Its flexible goose-neck design enables you toget light where you need it most. The high-tech electronics, user-friendly design, and bulb that last 10 times longer than an ordinary bulb make this lamp a must-have.
...for working
Here is a guarantee that no other lamp can make. If the Balanced Spectrum® bulb ever burns out, we’ll send you a free replacement bulb, all you pay is a small fee for shipping and handling. The Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp comes with firstSTREET’s exclusive guarantee. Try this lamp for 90 days and return it for the product purchase price if not completely satisfied.
Balanced Spectrum® floor lamp Only $79.95 with FREE Shipping Please mention promotional code 113934. For fastest service, call toll-free
1-888-698-9923 © 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
41494
...and when you need a good source of light for close-up tasks.
18
Law & Money | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
JULY 2020 — FIFTYP L U S
How to avoid the latest Medicare scams Every year during health insurance open enrollment season, scammers try to dupe unsuspecting consumers into sharing their personal information. You may receive a call (or recorded message) from someone who claims to be helping you navigate your Medicare options. They may call themselves a “healthcare benefits advocate” or a similar title. The caller says they can enroll you in a “cheaper and better” Medicare program
than what you currently have, and all you need to do is provide some personal information such as your Medicare ID number. Of course, the call is a scam, and sharing personal information merely opens you to identity theft. In another version reported to BBB.org/ ScamTracker, the caller is trying to frighten you by claiming your Medicare will be discontinued if you don’t re-enroll. Fortunately, you are told, this “Medicare advisor” can fix the situation, but you need to
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Ongoing
FREE INVESTING VIDEOS The nonprofit Better Investing has free instructional videos on
investing on their website. Visit http://bit.ly/FreeInvestingVideos.
Nov. 12
provide some personal information to get the process going. BBB.org/ScamTracker is also getting reports about callers pushing “free” back or knee braces. This is also Medicare fraud. You can learn more about these scams at http://bit.ly/bracescam.
How to avoid being scammed —Be war y of unsolicited contact. People representing Medicare plans don’t contact you by phone, email or in person unless you are already enrolled. Be especially cautious of calls that require quick action or immediate payment. —Decline promotional gifts in exchange for personal information. Keep a healthy level of skepticism any time a broker offers you free gifts or other special deals. Never sign up with a broker who of-
fers you an expensive “sign-up gift” in exchange for providing your Medicare ID number or other personal information. —Beware of “free health screenings.” Some brokers offer this to weed out people who are less healthy. This is against Medicare rules. —Guard your government-issued numbers. Never offer your Medicare ID number, Social Security number, health plan info, or banking information to anyone you don’t know. —Go to official websites. You can enroll or re-enroll in Medicare at Medicare.gov. If you’ve been the victim of a scam, please report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. By sharing your experience, you can help others avoid falling victim to similar scams. Courtesy of the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia.
FARMING FOR VETS Want to learn more about farming? VSU’s Small Farm Outreach
Program and the Farmer Veteran Coalition are hosting “Boots to Roots,” a free virtual conference to help veterans explore farming as a second career. The conference, which will take place on Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will teach veterans and military personnel about resources and grant opportunities available. To register, visit ext.vsu.edu/calendar or call (804) 524-3292.
Medicare coverage From page 16 —Save money and keep your doctor innetwork by switching Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. —Find a higher quality plan. Plans with a 5-star rating are considered high quality. If you are enrolled in a plan that is less than 3 stars, consider using Open Enrollment to switch.
So, take advantage of this open enrollment period to ensure that you have the best plan that has the coverage you need without overpaying. Visit MyMedicareMatters.org and complete their questionnaire to best assess your current healthcare needs versus your current plan. Reprinted with permission of Lifestyles After 50, lifestylesafter50.com.
TECHNOLOGY SIMPLIFIED – BIGGER AND BETTER
Wow! A Simple to Use Computer Designed Especially for Seniors! Easy to read. Easy to see. Easy to use. Just plug it in! now, the very people who could benefit most from E-mail and the Internet are the ones that have had the hardest time accessing it. Now, thanks to the WOW Computer, countless older Americans are discovering the wonderful world of the Internet every day. Isn’t it time you took part? Call now, and you’ll find out why tens of thousands of satisfied seniors are now enjoying their WOW Computers, emailing their grandchildren, and experiencing everything the Internet has to offer.Call today!
Now comes with... Enhanced Video Chat Faster Email Larger 22-inch hi-resolution screen – easier to see 16% more viewing area Simple navigation – so you never get lost Intel® processor – lightning fast Computer is in the monitor – No bulky tower Text to Speech translation – it can even read your emails to you! U.S. Based Customer Service
FREE Automatic Software Updates
Call toll free now and find out how you can get your own WOW! Computer.
1-888-673-5168 Mention promotional code 113933 for special introductory pricing.
© 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
84115
There is finally a computer that’s designed for simplicity and ease of use. It’s the WOW Computer, and it was designed with you in mind. This computer is easy-to-use, worryfree and literally puts the world at your fingertips. From the moment you open the box, you’ll realize how different the WOW Computer is. The components are all connected; all you do is plug it into an outlet and your highspeed Internet connection. Then you’ll see the screen. This is a completely new touch screen system, without the cluttered look of the normal computer screen. The “buttons” on the screen are easy to see and easy to understand. All you do is touch one of them, from the Web, Email, Calendar to Games– you name it… and a new screen opens up. It’s so easy to use you won’t have to ask your children or grandchildren for help. Until
NEW
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
Travel
19
Leisure &
In rebuilding Notre Dame after the April 2019 fire, workers are using medieval techniques. See story on p. 22.
Try Finger Lakes for hikes, food and laughs sons to visit, while also sharing appealing traits and treats. Let’s begin with the latter. Foodies be forewarned! You may have to loosen your belt during the sojourn in this diet-busting destination. Farm stands and pick-your-own fruit orchards vie with cheese shops and bakeries to tempt passersby with hard-to-resist tasty treats. Wineries, craft breweries and cideries provide beverages to accompany those delicacies. Oenophiles may think they’ve gone to grape heaven. More than 70 wineries line the shore of Seneca Lake alone, almost half of them connected by a Wine Trail.
PHOTO BY STU GALLAGHER PHOTOGRAPHY
By Victor Block One afternoon during a recent trip to the Finger Lakes region of Western New York State, I was clocking 80 miles per hour (zooming around an automobile racetrack). On another day, I slowed down on the road to pass a horse-pulled Amish buggy. In between were hikes through otherworldly scenery, visits to intriguing museums, and opportunities to become acquainted with the opulent lifestyle of the wealthy. The Finger Lakes region is within an easy six- or seven-hour drive from Washington, D.C. You’ll pass through countryside with splendid views of rolling farmlands and dense forests. When the drive ends, visitors face a long, diverse list of sightseeing and activities. On something called the Empire State Road Trip, I followed an itinerary that linked enticing things to see and do with inviting accommodations along the way. The road trip was laid out by the Harbor Hotel Collection — three properties about a three-hour drive from each other in Chautauqua, Watkins Glen and Clayton, the latter located in New York’s Thousand Islands District (there actually are 1,864 islands). Each location offers its own unique rea-
Museums to explore The area’s museums range from tiny establishments to world-class collections. The often-overlooked Fenton History Center, located in the mid-19th century home of a former U.S. congressman, senator and governor, tells much more than his story. One room is devoted to the War of 1812 between the United States and Britain, much of which was waged along the New York-Canadian border. Other exhibits bring to life the role of New Yorkers who helped enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad. PHOTO BY KEVIN C. COX/FINGER LAKES WINE COUNTRY
A race is underway at Watkins Glen International, a track whose roots go back to 1948 and has long hosted NASCAR and Grand Prix events. But almost every day, time is set aside for members of the public to zoom around the 3.45-mile circuit in their own cars for a taste of the thrill.
Hikers marvel at the 200-foot cliffs and 19 waterfalls of Watkins Glen State Park in New York. The state’s Finger Lakes Region offers adventure, relaxation, sophisticated food and local wine.
A smaller but no less interesting site is the Mark Twain Study. Built in 1874 on a farm outside Elmira, the hometown of his wife, the tiny octagonal structure is where Twain (Samuel Clemens) wrote some of his most famous works. It now sits in a place of honor on the Elmira College campus. At the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, a personal profile is created for each guest, and more than 50 immersive displays deliver content tailored to each person’s taste. All the famous names from comedy are represented, and a “Blue Room” delves into adult humor. Close by is the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum, which explores the life of that popular couple. Ball was born in Jamestown and retained lifelong ties to the area. Her California home contained furniture made in Jamestown, which was nicknamed “Furniture Capital of the World” when that industry thrived there from about 1860 into the early 20th century. Both museums are open, with COVID safety adjustments in place. At the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, the heart of the Thousand Islands area, visitors can see a priceless collection of over 350 vessels ranging from canoes and kayaks to sleek power boats. Even a
landlubber like me can appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of the exhibits. Visitors may row a traditional St. Lawrence skiff, ride in a triple-cockpit speedboat, and tour La Duchesse, an elegant houseboat built for George Boldt. He was a German-born hotelier and one of America’s wealthy tycoons who, during the Gilded Age, built opulent mansions on some of the islands in the archipelago region of the St. Lawrence River. Boldt planned a castle as a gift of love for his wife, Louise. He changed the island’s name from Hart to Heart, had stone and wood hearts carved throughout the structure, and directed that flowerbeds be planted in the shape of hearts. When Louise died before the palatial structure was completed, Boldt abandoned the project. Today the six-story, 127-room castle has been restored and opened for visitors, who reach the island following a 10-minute boat trip.
Grand Prix speedway Another ride provided a more adrenaline-boosting experience. I knew that Watkins Glen is a racecar fan’s dream desSee FINGER LAKES, page 20
20
Leisure & Travel | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Finger Lakes
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
From page 19
straightaway with banked pavement leading into sharp hairpin curves. Despite the admonition not to exceed 60 miles per hour, I must admit that after slowing to open the distance between my car and the vehicle I was following, I saw my speedometer hit 80. Contrast that velocity and the roar of engines with the gentle clip-clop of a horse pulling an Amish wagon through quiet countryside. Here and there residents of local Amish communities cling to their traditional lifestyle. Those pockets of the past are comprised of tidy farms and massive barns, some with the image of a quilt painted on the side.
tination but wasn’t sure why until I heard the town’s origin story. The first chapter was written in 1948, when a race was held over a 6.6-mile route along streets in and around the town. After a mishap several years later, which resulted in the death of one onlooker and injuries to others, the Watkins Glen Grand Prix Race Course was constructed. Today the racetrack is open to the public between races. I opted to try the “Drive the Glen” program and lined up my somewhat clunky Honda sedan on the track with eight other vehicles, including a snazzy Corvette, a stylish Nissan and the pace car that led the pack. The motorway combines stretches of
Hiking trails Many trails crisscross the area, suitable for all skill and stamina levels. My personal favorites offer more than just a walk in
M A R K YO U R C A L E N D A R
Nov. 13+
RICHMOND SYMPHONY’S MASTERWORKS The Richmond Symphony will perform Metamorphosen, a reflec-
tion on the pain and joy of transformation with music by Strauss, Schubert and Wagner. Tickets are available to see the concert in person at the Carpenter Theatre on Fri., Nov. 13 at 7 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.; and Sun., Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. The concert can also be livestreamed to watch at home on Sat., Nov. 14 at
the woods. Panama Rocks Scenic Park in Chautauqua County is an ancient forest that has been attracting visitors since the 1880s. A mile-long loop leads through a jungle-like world of towering rocks, deep crevices and small caves. Signs identify features with names like Paradise Alley and Indian Fireplace, which Native Americans used as a stone oven. You’ll encounter a very different environment at Watkins Glen State Park, where a deep gorge cuts through a landscape of water-sculpted rock and dense northern forest. Adding to the scene are 19 waterfalls squeezed into the first mile of the path. Some plummet over sheer cliffs while others trickle across flat rocks in the river bottom. The route requires climbing up (and down) a total of 832 stone steps. If thoughts of this mountain-goat experience don’t excite you, other opportunities on the Empire State Road Trip certainly will. From picking apples in an orchard to chuckling at zany humor at the National Comedy Center, the challenge in the Finger Lakes region is selecting from among the long list of something-for-everyone choices.
8 p.m. To purchase tickets, which range from $20 to $82, visit
If you go
http://bit.ly/SymphonyMetamorphosen.
The three Harbor Hotel properties share pleasant waterfront settings, AAA four-diamond caliber facilities, and touch-
21
1, 20 3 . N A HJ
G
THROU
ATTN: & ORS SPONS ORS T EXHIBI
2020
r the o s n o ing: sp r r u t o a t e a f t Exhibi al 50+ Expo, irtu V n o c Bea ers k a e p S pert x E • asses l C • ners i a t r e t • En ibit Area with • Ecxuhstom landinnkgs d li n a s e pag sites m xpo.co to web e 0 5 n co t bea a s u t i s Vi
To Exhibit/Sponsor or for more information, contact Alan@thebeaconnewspapers.com or call 443-285-9336
es of their locations and history. The use of stone, unpainted wood and water designs hint of their surroundings. Rates begin at $101 a night in November. Among vintage photographs that line lobby walls in the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel are Frank Sinatra, who performed there, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and even some depicting the amusement park that occupied the site from 1893 to 1962. Memorabilia related to car racing is scattered about the Watkins Glen property, while antique boats are a focus of photos and displays in the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. The hotels’ dining rooms offer the same menu, plus nightly specials. A cheese plate of four choices plus sides ($19) is more than enough for two people to share. Two Maine lobster rolls ($19) and fettuccini with roast chicken ($27) are popular favorites. The Drive the Glen experience, in which you drive your own car on a 3.45mile Grand Prix circuit, costs $30. It is open July through October. Like Drive the Glen, many attractions are open seasonally, so it’s best to check before you visit. NOTE: At the hotels, COVID restrictions are in place, restricting visitors from certain states, and requiring masks and social distancing at all properties. For more information, call (607) 535-3759 or visit harborhotelcollection.com/experiences/ empire-state-road-trip.
21
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Leisure & Travel
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
Is there a travel adviser in your future? For any upcoming trips, many of you Big online outfits such as Expedia and will turn to a travel adviser to Booking are travel agents. help with the arrangements They can help you compare — some for the first time. costs of various options and acWhen internet travel agentually perform the base agency cies and search systems first function of making the transacblossomed, some observers tion. But they can’t sit down predicted the “end” for conwith you, discuss your objecventional travel agents. And tives and preferences, or help many such agencies did, in you map out a complete trip. That’s what makes travel fact, disappear. advisers different: Yes, they But others survived, in part can also make the transacby morphing into travel advis- TRAVEL TIPS tion, but their real value is ers. Specifically, internet-age By Ed Perkins helping you zero in on exactly travel advisers found three which transactions you want to make. useful niches: — Using specialized knowledge to help consumers plan and arrange trips in Save time, get better deals today’s complex travel marketplace, Thus, probably the main way advisers — Taking over the workload of compil- can benefit you is by helping you plan and ing and arranging complex travel arrange- arrange a trip. They keep up with the latest ments, and developments in destinations and trans— Helping big corporations manage and portation services. And they may even control their business travel budgets. have access to deals that aren’t offered to Ordinary consumers aren’t concerned the general public. Even if you keep up with what’s going with the third niche, which is filled mainly by large business travel agencies and consor- on yourself, you may not want to spend tetiums. But many ordinary consumers are dious hours glued to your monitor, retaking advantage of the way travel advisers searching and comparing options. Instead, you can just tell an adviser, “I want to take can make their lives easier. There’s a big difference between a trav- my grandkids to Disney World in June” el adviser and a travel agent. and let the adviser work out the details.
Advisers earn their income from two sources: fees you pay and commissions some suppliers offer. And you can expect to pay some kind of fee, starting around $40 to $50 and running up into the hundreds, depending on the assignment. Airlines these days don’t pay agents much in the way of commissions, but cruise lines, hotels and tour operators do, so what you pay depends, in part, on what sort of trip you plan.
Find the right adviser And, lastly, maybe the most important question: How do you locate the right adviser? This is a tough one — just as it is for any other personal service, from doctor to stockbroker to plumber. As with all services, your most reliable source is word of mouth from friends, relatives and co-workers. Ask around. The American Association of Travel Advisors (ASTA) posts an adviser locator that you can filter by specialty, such as “senior travel,” “beach vacations” or “luxury travel,” as well as by destination. The main problem is that too many ad-
visers claim special competence in just about everything. ASTA membership is certainly a plus, but the “ASTA Verified” certification is more a measure of how an adviser runs its business than confirmation of its travel knowledge. Several large adviser chains operate multiple locations or affiliates around the U.S., including Internova, American Express and AAA (check websites for your state). Some advisers focus on cruises exclusively, which is a good thing — they keep up with what’s going on. If you want a cruise, consider a cruiser specialist, although AAA is also good with cruises. Many local travel advisers are affiliated with one of a dozen or more worldwide outfits that back up individual advisers with current technology. Google your area for candidates. And when you spot a likely candidate, don’t be reluctant to ask for — and check — references. Email Ed Perkins at eperkins@mind.net. Also, check out Ed’s rail travel website at rail-guru.com. © 2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Write a letter to the editor. See page 2.
Stand Up Straight and Feel Better Discover the Perfect WalkerTM, the better way to walk safely and more naturally
NEW
Old Way
Better Way
It’s a cruel fact of life, as we age, gravity takes over. Our muscles droop, our bodies sag and the weight of the world seems to be planted squarely on our shoulders. We dread taking a fall, so we find ourselves walking less and less- and that only makes matters worse. Well, cheer up! There’s finally a product designed to enable us all to walk properly and stay on the go. It’s called the Perfect WalkerTM, and it can truly change your life. Traditional rollators and walkers simply aren’t designed well. They require you to hunch over and shuffle your feet when you walk. This puts pressure on your back, your neck, your wrists and your hands. Over time, this makes walking uncomfortable and can result in a variety of 24” wide health issues. That’s all changed with the Perfect WalkerTM. Its upright design and padded elbow rests enable you to distribute your weight across your arms and shoulders, not your hands and wrists. Helps Easy reduce back, neck and wrist pain and discomfort. Its FREE Folding unique frame gives you plenty of room to step, and the Utility Bag and 10.5” Compact Cane Holder oversized wheels help you glide across the floor. The Design height can be easily adjusted with the push of a button 39” to fit anyone from 5’ to over 6’. Once you’ve reached your Comfortable Seat destination you can use the hand brakes to gently slow down, and there’s even a handy seat with a storage compartment. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to use indoors and out and it folds up for portability and storage. Large Capacity
18.5” wheelbase for stability
Supports up to 300 lbs.
Why spend another day hunched over and shuffling along. Call now, and find out how you can try out a Perfect WalkerTM for yourself... in your own home. You’ll be glad you did.
Perfect WalkerTM Call now Toll-Free 1-888-250-6467 Please mention promotion code 113932. © 2020 first STREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
84522
Utility Bag
22
Leisure & Travel | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Rebuilding Notre Dame medieval-style
Respecting tradition A debate over whether the new spire should have a futuristic design or whether the trusses should be made of fireproof cement like in the Cathedral of Nantes, which was destroyed in a 1972 fire, ended with the decision in July to respect Notre Dame’s
original design and materials. A total of 25 trusses are to be installed at an unknown date in the cathedral nave. Philippe Gourmain, a forestry expert working on the cathedral project, said the carpentry phase will not come before 2022. “The problem of Notre Dame is not a carpentry problem. We have the wood. We know how to do it,” Gourmain said. “The big issue is regarding the stone.” Some stones — which support the carpentry — were damaged by the fire, and “it’s not so easy now” to find similar stone, he said. French President Emmanuel Macron wants the cathedral reopened in 2024 in time for the Paris Olympic Games, a deadline that many experts have called unrealistic.
Still clearing away debris For the moment, the delicate task of dismantling melted scaffolding, which was originally erected to refurbish the now-toppled spire, continues. That job, started in early June, will be completed in October. The soaring cathedral vaults are also being cleared of debris by 35 specialists on ropes. The organ with its 8,000 pipes was removed for repair in early August. It is not yet known what technique will be used to create and install the wooden trusses.
The truss mounted for the weekend display is a replica of truss No. 7, more advanced than the first six trusses, which were “more primitive,” said Florian Carpentier, site manager for the team from Carpenters Without Borders that felled the trees and used axes to cut the logs for the wooden frame. With rope cables and a rustic pulley system, the carpenters slowly pulled the truss they built in July from the ground where it was laid out. “It’s a moment to see, ancestral techniques that last. There is the present and the past and it links us to our roots,” said Romain Greif, an architect who came with his family to watch the display. “It’s an event.” Parisians were shocked by the fire on April 15, 2019 In a final touch, once the that destroyed the wooden roof and collapsed the No. 7 truss replica was spire of Notre Dame Cathedral. Today, workers are raised on high, a carpenter rebuilding the structure using age-old techniques. was cheered as he shinnied up the wooden beams to tie an oak branch workers, a tradition still honored in nuto the top of the triangular structure — a merous European countries. —AP symbol of prosperity and a salute to the PHOTO BY WANDRILLE DE PRÉVILLE
By Elaine Ganley With precision and boundless energy, a team of carpenters used medieval techniques to raise up — by hand — a three-ton oak truss last month in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, a replica of the wooden structures that were consumed in the landmark’s devastating April 2019 fire that also toppled its spire. The demonstration to mark European Heritage Days gave hundreds of people a first-hand look at the rustic methods used 800 years ago to build the triangular frames in the nave of Notre Dame de Paris. It also proved that the decision to replicate the cathedral in its original form was the right one, said Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who heads the cathedral’s reconstruction. “It shows firstly that we made the right choice in choosing to rebuild the carpentry identically, in oak from France,” Georgelin said in an interview. “Secondly, it shows us the...method by which we will rebuild the framework, truss after truss.”
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
Style
23
Arts &
This fall, take a break from yard work — it’s better for birds, insects and animals. See story on p. 24.
Linda Ronstadt celebrates Hispanic roots By Sigal Ratner-Arias Growing up near the U.S. border in Tucson, Arizona, Linda Ronstadt was exposed to the music and culture of Mexico from an early age. Her father would often sing at their home in Spanish. “I heard Mexican radio my whole life,” the American singer told The Associated Press in a recent phone interview. It’s something that stuck with her even decades after establishing her professional career in the mid-1960s, singing everything from folk-rock, country and light opera to pop. “All the time I was doing other kinds of music, I kept thinking there would be a chance, like trying to record some of my pop songs to Spanish. But there weren’t really good translations. And I just really wanted to sing rancheras and huapangos,” Ronstadt said. She finally did, starting in 1987 with the traditional Mariachi music album “Canciones de mi Padre” (“Songs of my Father”) — which remains the best-selling non-English album in the U.S. — followed by 1991’s “Mas Canciones” (“More Songs”), 1992’s “Frenesi” (“Frenzy”) and 2004’s “Mi Jardin Azul” (“My Blue Garden”).
A new honor Now 74, the 10-time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer has been recognized as a “Legend” at the 33rd annual Hispanic Heritage Awards. The ceremony, prerecorded and socially distanced due
to the coronavirus pandemic, aired on PBS last month. Other honorees included Selena Gomez (Arts Award), U.S. essential farmworkers (Heroes Award) and Sebastian Yatra (Inspira Award), who was also the host. Ronstadt, attending remotely from her home in San Francisco, was surprised when Los Tigres del Norte’s Jorge and Hernan Hernandez showed up at her home with the award. “It made me really happy,” she said. “I’m a huge fan of Los Tigres del Norte. I’ve loved their music for years, and I didn’t realize they were coming to my house to present me with the award. “I thought they were gonna do it on the internet, you know? I hadn’t been hugging anybody because of COVID, but I hugged them. I was so excited. I said, ‘We’re Mexicans, we hug.’” She was also serenaded with a bilingual tribute that featured The Mavericks with Carla Morrison, Gaby Moreno, Joy Huerta (from Jesse & Joy), Lupita Infante and La Marisoul (from La Santa Cecilia).
Parkinson’s hasn’t changed her
ELEKTRA/ASYLUM RECORDS
Ronstadt, who in 2012 was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, said that her life changed “very little” during the pandemic because she stays home most of the time anyway. “But it changed so profoundly for other people, it breaks my heart.” In an electoral year that has seen so much illness as well as social unrest and racial conflict, she said, “I wish we can
Linda Ronstadt’s 1987 album “Canciones de Mi Padre” features traditional Mexican folk songs. More than 10 million copies have sold worldwide, including two million in the U.S., making it the top U.S. bestseller for non-English albums. During her career, Ronstadt released 24 studio records, winning 10 Grammys and an Emmy, among other awards.
have a dialogue with the greater community. I wish that Americans wouldn’t dismiss and marginalize immigrants or Mexican Americans or any people of Latinx descent. They shouldn’t just treat them like they’re pieces of furniture.” Looking back on her most cherished moments of her career, the singer said “the most fun” she had was back in 1998 and 1999, touring with her Mexican music. “I’d fall asleep on the bus, and I’d hear all these voices in Spanish and English talking and singing.” It reminded her of her childhood, she said. Asked if she had any regrets in her life,
she laughed. “I wish that I had more time to work on the Mexican music. I would spend a lot of time learning how to play the jarana,” she said, referring to a guitar-shaped instrument from the southern region of the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Among other accolades, Ronstadt was honored by the Kennedy Center last year and has received three American Music Awards, two ACM Awards and an Emmy. She can be seen in “Linda and the Mockingbirds,” a documentary on her journey to Mexico with a group of young students in 2019, released digitally on Oct. 20. —AP
24
Arts & Style | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
To-dos and no-nos for your autumn yard By Lela Martin It’s hard for me to relax in my own back yard because I always see tidying to do. In the late fall, however, I can relax a bit. That’s because it’s easier and more environmentally friendly to leave leaves and ignore the decaying stalks of herbaceous plants. Overwintering insects, birds and other creatures make use of what looks unkempt to our eyes. If allowing the plants in your yard to decompose naturally bothers you (or your homeowners’ association), try the mullet approach: formal in the front (yard) and looser/longer in the back (yard).
tection from both inclement weather and predators. In addition, caterpillars of moths and butterflies may be attached to twigs and branches or nestled at the bases of herbaceous plants. Caterpillars typically spend winter by themselves, but in some species, they overwinter in groups. The red-spotted purple, meadow fritillary and viceroy caterpillars hibernate among the vegetation, in seed pods, in silken nests and in rolled-up leaves. While some caterpillars feed during mild spells, most cannot move during the winter; therefore, they are unable to escape pruners and shears.
Don’t deadhead Flowers and seedheads left in the garden provide free food for wildlife. Those plants that have gone to seed in the late summer or fall provide resources for our winged winter residents: cardinals, chickadees, and robins, for example. A great plant to appeal to cardinals is echinacea/purple coneflower, notable for its bountiful seedheads.
Check before trimming branches In addition to enjoying berries such as those from the Easter red cedar, some birds also use shrubs and foliage as pro-
Don’t discard odd-looking things Some butterflies, such as the cabbage white, sulphurs and members of the swallowtail family, overwinter in chrysalis form. Luna moths and cecropia moths, which both have a wingspan up to seven inches in moth form, hibernate as cocoons. The pupa is encased in a silk cocoon that is attached lengthwise along a stem or branch of the host plant or nearby plant. These may look unused if you find them, and are typically brown or green in color to be camouflaged within a tree or shrub.
Don’t cut ornamental grasses Birds collect leftover plant fiber to build nests. Some of the more than 3,500 species of native bees hide away in the hollow stems of native flowers such as monarda (aka bee balm) or ornamental grasses. Solitary bees, such as those commonly known as mason bees, overwinter in these cavities in an unanimated state known as diapause. Leaf cutter bees and wool carder bees are also cavity nesters.
Make use of fallen leaves Why bag leaves and then buy bagged mulch? According to 2015 EPA data, yard trimmings, which include leaves, created about 34.7 million tons of waste, about 13% of all waste generated. Leaves protect root systems, preserve moisture, suppress weeds and fertilize the soil as they break down. The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) encourages homeowners to skip raking or blowing leaves entirely. According to the NWF, “A leaf layer several inches deep is actually a natural thing in any area where trees naturally grow.” The organization also points out that box turtles, earthworms, chipmunks, insects and other creatures rely on the leaf layer ecosystem.
For example, some adult butterflies find a snug piece of bark or a dried leaf to nestle under until spring. These species have evolved the capability to produce an antifreeze that stops ice crystals from forming if temperatures are below 32°F. Native ladybug beetles winter outside, under rocks, in hollow snags or under leaves. (Only the alien species get into our homes to overwinter as pests.) On the lawn, you can use your composting mower setting. Alternatively, you can move the leaves off the grass by mowing or raking to another location for composting or place directly on top of planting beds. A leaf shredder can work on larger leaves, such as oaks, that blow and take time to decompose.
But don’t leave all leaves There are some places where leaves should not be left. Remove them from storm drains, which they can clog, and from driveways, patios and pathways, where they can be slippery. Also remove from wooden decks, where they can harbor moisture and cause rotting and staining. Lela Martin is a Master Gardener with the Chesterfield County office of the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Make your home more comfortable than ever
“To you, it’s the perfect lift chair. To me, it’s the best sleep chair I’ve ever had.” — J. Fitzgerald, VA
NOW also available in Genuine Italian Leather
Three Chairs in One
(and new Chestnut color)
Sleep/Recline/Lift
Pictured: Italian Leather chair chestnut color. Chestnut color also available in DuraluxTM fabric
biscuit style back and unique seat design will cradle you in comfort. Generously filled, wide armrests provide enhanced arm support when sitting or reclining. It even has a battery backup in case of a power outage.
custom-manufactured DuraLux™ with the classic leather look or plush MicroLux™ microfiber in a variety of colors to fit any decor. New Chestnut color only available in Genuine Italian Leather and long lasting DuraLux™. Call now!
The Perfect Sleep Chair
®
White glove delivery included in shipping charge. Professionals will deliver the chair to the exact spot in your home where you want it, unpack it, inspect it, test it, position it, and even carry the packaging away! You get your choice of Genuine Italian leather, stain and water repellent
1-888-820-0071 Please mention code 113931.
46552
Our Perfect Sleep Chair® does all that and more. More than a chair or recliner, it’s designed to provide total comfort. Choose your preferred heat and massage settings, for hours of soothing relaxation. Reading or watching TV? Our chair’s recline technology allows you to pause the chair in an infinite number of settings. And best of all, it features a powerful lift mechanism that tilts the entire chair forward, making it easy to stand. You’ll love the other benefits, too. It helps with correct spinal alignment and promotes back pressure relief, to prevent back and muscle pain. The overstuffed, oversized
ACCREDITED BUSINESS A+
Because each Perfect Sleep Chair is a custom-made bedding product, we can only accept returns on chairs that are damaged or defective. © 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
25
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com | Arts & Style
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
Cookbooks add creativity to your kitchen By Dinah Rokach side — everything from butternut squash Spend time with these cookbooks and soup to classic roast turkey, stuffing with expand your culinary skills. giblet gravy, Parker House Joy of Cooking: The Trustrolls, pumpkin pie and mulled ed Kitchen Classic for a New cider. There is also an index Generation of Joy: Revised in the back. and Updated, by Irma S. This comprehensive exploRombauer, Marion Romration of the art of home cookbauer Becker, Ethan Becker, ing includes recipes for more John Becker and Megan than 65 vegetarian and vegan Scott, 1,200 pages, Scribner main courses. Charts list subhardcover, 2019 stitutions for common ingrediThe classic encyclopedia of ents, the volumes of baking THE home cooking dating back to BIBLIOPHILE dishes, and other useful inforthe 1930s has been revived by By Dinah Rokach mation. a new generation. This ninth Alas, the book doesn’t inedition, the first since 2006, reflects cur- clude calorie counts or nutritional informarent trends in the kitchen: avoiding food tion, but one section covers healthy eating waste, streamlining cooking, preparing and USDA recommended dietary requireahead. Irma Rombauer’s great-grandson ments. John Becker and his wife, Megan Scott, Big Night In: Delicious themed menus have painstakingly retested the recipes. to cook & eat at home, by Katherine Without changes to the format, this edi- Bebo, 176 pages, Ryland Peters & Small tion of Joy of Cooking contains 4,000 recipes hardcover, 2020 — including 600 new ones — presented in We’re spending lots more time inside, so 31 chapters. Additional segments cover let’s make it enjoyable. Big Night In is an techniques, ingredients, how to shop, what’s easy-to-follow book of instruction with sugin season, nutrition, storage and food safety. gested menus for different occasions to celHand-drawn illustrations by John Norton ebrate at home. Each chapter provides sugare reminiscent of the original format. gested menus and recipes for 19 occasions Thanksgiving menu suggestions at the including a night in at the movies, an indoor front reference the pages of the recipes in- picnic and a Super Bowl watch party.
Learn how to prepare alcoholic drinks such as Pimm’s deluxe, beer margaritas, cheesecake martinis and peach juleps as well as non-alcoholic homemade cola and root beer. No longer be intimidated at the thought of preparing and serving potato pakoras, scotch eggs, panzanella, Sardinian pizza and chorizo. Expand your approach with these unique versions of go-to favorites such as chicken wings, kebabs, fries, potato salads and chicken noodle soup, among others. The desserts are unique versions of favorites: Hong Kong egg tarts, lemon drizzle cake, aquafaba pavlova meringue. While there is a short chapter of vegan recipes, the emphasis of this book is on hearty meat fare. Serving sizes run the gamut from one to 20 and can be easily converted to your desired amount. However, neither calorie counts nor prep times are included. The introductory chapter provides tips on entertaining, shopping, decorating your table, garnishing platters and preparing your meal. Color photographs accompany most of the more than 120 dishes created by an impressive array of more than 30 chefs. Katherine Bebo is a British freelance writer whose career has taken her from London to Denver to Dubai. Though the
recipes reflect a cosmopolitan and sophisticated approach to food, the preparation is simple and basic. Stirring the Pot with Benjamin Franklin: A Founding Father’s Culinary Adventures, by Rae Katherine Eighmey, 304 pages, Smithsonian Books hardcover, 2018 This biography of a Founding Father combines the story of his life with recipes of his day. Author Rae Katherine Eighmey See COOKBOOKS, page 26
FROM PAGE 26 ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD S T E M
P E R U
A C E D I T
P O S A D A
A X E S
T O P N O T C A C H S H E K I D
Y A C H T
S T R A T L A N G L E N R O E D S
A M S O O P U G S A R E A G G E E S S T A S L E
P A L M
P R O C E D C U C R C A L
D R A W
C E L T I C
R I T R E O M E
T H R O U A H U M N R O E A U S S O U N A L
W O O D E N B A T S
O S L E D E C A E S A R
S P R A T S
I N T O
N C A A
G E L D
The Invention of the Year The world’s lightest and most portable mobility device Once in a lifetime, a product comes along that truly moves people. Introducing the future of battery-powered personal transportation... The Zinger.
“I can now go places and do things that I wasn’t able to go or do before. It has given me a new lease on life and I am so happy I found it!” –Dana S., Texas
The first thing you’ll notice about the Zinger is its unique look. It doesn’t look like a scooter. It’s sleek, lightweight yet durable frame is made with aircraft grade aluminum. It weighs only 47.2 lbs but can handle a passenger that’s up to 275 lbs! It features onetouch folding and unfolding– when folded it can be wheeled around like a suitcase and fits easily into a backseat or trunk. Then, there are the steering levers. They enable the Zinger to move forward, backward, turn on a dime and even pull right up to a table or desk. With its compact yet powerful motor it can go up to 6 miles an hour and its rechargeable battery can go up to 8 miles on a single charge. With its low center of gravity and inflatable tires it can handle rugged terrain and is virtually tip-proof. Think about it, you can
10”
The Zinger folds to a mere 10 inches. take your Zinger almost anywhere, so you don’t have to let mobility issues rule your life.
Why take our word for it. You can try the Zinger out for yourself with our exclusive home trial. Call now, and find out how you can try out a Zinger of your very own.
Zinger Chair® Call now and receive a utility basket absolutely FREE with your order.
1-888-662-7945 Please mention code 113930 when ordering.
The Zinger Chair is a personal electric vehicle and is not a medical device nor a wheelchair. Zinger is not intended for medical purposes to provide mobility to persons restricted to a sitting position. It is not covered by Medicare nor Medicaid. © 2020 firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
85217
Throughout the ages, there have been many important advances in mobility. Canes, walkers, rollators, and scooters were created to help people with mobility issues get around and retain their independence. Lately, however, there haven’t been any new improvements to these existing products or developments in this field. Until now. Recently, an innovative design engineer who’s developed one of the world’s most popular products created a completely new breakthrough... a personal electric vehicle. It’s called the Zinger, and there is nothing out there quite like it.
26
Arts & Style | Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
HOW TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS All classified ads must be submitted and paid for online, via our website, www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds Deadlines and Payments: To appear in the next issue, your ad text and payment must be entered by the 5th of the preceding month (for Baltimore and Howard County editions); by the 20th (for Washington and Richmond editions). Cost will be based on the number of characters and spaces in your ad: • $25 for 1-250 • $35 for 251-500. • $50 for 501-750 (maximum length). The website will calculate this amount for you. Note: Each real estate listing qualifies as one ad. • All ads are subject to publisher’s discretion. Payment will be refunded if unacceptable for any reason. Questions? Call (804) 673-5203.
To place your classified ad, visit www.thebeaconnewspapers.com/classifieds
CLASSIFIEDS
Financial
WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 855-626-8703.
For Sale PUT ON YOUR TV EARS and hear TV with unmatched clarity. TV Ears Original were originally $129.95 - NOW WITH THIS SPECIAL OFFER are only $59.95 with code MCB59! Call 1-833-934-0843.
Health LIFE ALERT. One press of a button sends help FAST, 24/7! At home and on the go. Mobile Pendant with GPS. FREE First Aid Kit (with subscription.) CALL 240-847-6732 FREE Brochure. MOBILEHELP, America’s Premier Mobile Medical Alert System. Whether You’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Brochure! Call Today! 1-240-650-9189 PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-851-0949. DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844366-1003 www.dental50plus.com/320 #6258.
Home/Handyman Services THE BATHROOM OF YOUR DREAMS for as little as $149/month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-855-653-0087.
Cookbooks From page 25 has prodigiously researched the personal biography and official life of Benjamin Franklin. She has updated 62 authentic recipes for the modern kitchen. Cooks will enjoy preparing these allAmerican appetizers, main courses, vegetables in season, salads, soups, breads, dried fruit, desserts and beverages. Food critic and New York Times contributor
Home/Handyman Services THINKING ABOUT INSTALLING A NEW SHOWER? American Standard makes it easy. FREE design consultation. Enjoy your shower again! Call 1-844-536-0485 today to see how you can save $1,000 on installation, or visit www.newshowerdeal.com/tbn ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-844-359-6933. STAY IN YOUR HOME LONGER with an American Standard Walk-In Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-877-240-2061 or visit www.walkintubquote.com/beacon
Legal Services APPLYING FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY or Appealing a Denied Claim? Call Bill Gordon & Assoc. Our case managers simplify the process & work hard to help with your case. Call 1-866-970-0779 FREE Consultation. Local Attorneys Nationwide [Mail: 2420 N St NW, Washington DC. Office: Broward Co. FL (TX/NM Bar.)]
TV/Cable DIRECTV - Every live football game, every Sunday - anywhere - on your favorite device. Restrictions apply. Call IVS - 1-888-572-4953. DISH NETWORK. $59.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-844-560-5837.
Tell them you saw it in Fifty Plus! Florence Fabricant recommends the apple tart made with applesauce custard. While preparation time is not included with the recipes, portion sizes are — as well as storage time for leftovers. A recipe index and an extensive bibliography, including cookbooks, are at the back. Stirring the Pot with Benjamin Franklin describes the kitchen of yore. It may inspire older adults to conjure memories of childhood and Thanksgiving celebrations long past.
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Crossword Puzzle
Daily crosswords can be found on our website: www.TheBeaconNewspapers.com Click on Puzzles Plus Salad Days and Movie Nights 1
2
3
4
12
5
6
10
11
24
25
26
27
33
34
60
61
16 19
21
29
31
30
35
22
32
36
37
38
40
39 42
43
47
48
51
52 55
69
9
15
23
66
8
18
20
62
7
14
13
17
28
By Stephen Sherr
63
41
44
45
46
49
50 53
56
57
54
58
59
64
65
67
68 70
Across 1. “___ and neuter your pets” 5. iPhone download 8. Weak pair, in poker 12. Home of the Terlingua Chili Cook-Off 14. Artist Chagall 16. “Get in the ___” (putters’ mutters) 17. Install a new statue 18. Gin flavoring 19. Arrived like Yankee Doodle 20. Image at the end of Dr. Strangelove 23. Keep the beat, digitally 24. Greek letter that looks like an H 25. Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton, initially 28. Situationally appropriate 31. Pull a rope, competitively 33. “Deer in Headlights”, briefly 34. Siesta 35. Like Steve McQueen in Bullitt’s car chase scene 39. Its first highlight show was broadcast in 1979 40. They float in the middle of HOVERCRAFTS 41. Major Nelson’s employer on I Dream of Jeannie 42. Try to motivate Seabiscuit 47. Wedding words 48. Ingredient in Creme Brulee French Toast 49. Attract a Fact Checker’s attention 50. Ones with fancier pics in the yearbook 51. “I tawt I taw a puddy ___” 52. Warning that the next name is outdated 53. Greek letter that looks like a P 55. Some Like it Hot activity 62. Suffer in the head, shoulders, knees or toes, knees or toes 64. Ingredient in Pork Lau Lau 65. About 10 pennies, or 5 quarters 66. House for gardening tools 67. Close a door, dramatically 68. Present at birth
71
69. Some say the darndest things 70. Dolly the sheep was one 71. Fill up the washing machine Down 1. Tulip handle 2. Westernmost nation in South America 3. Wood-choppers 4. Pleasure boat 5. “I wish I knew why I ___ anguished” (Marilyn Monroe) 6. Fortune teller’s map 7. Cop show, for example 8. Drive-___ window 9. Pro baseball equipment 10. Long in the tooth 11. Pass a vision test 13. Layers of sedimentary rock 15. Boston basketballer 21. Musical masterpiece 22. Most populated Hawaiian island 26. Subject of a Shakespeare tragedy 27. Dieters Jack, and his wife 28. Scored 1600 on the SAT 29. Yankees catcher, Jorge 30. Of highest quality 32. Good place to buy used baby clothes 36. Sleeve lngth. 37. Perfect score in Roman bowling 38. They come after L is said and done 43. Tonight Show host before Fallon 44. Removes waste from a cell 45. Baptism, basically 46. “The only ___ for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once” (Einstein) 54. Unremarkable 56. Magenta and maroon 57. Create an editorial cartoon 58. European capital city 59. Fascinated by 60. Letters on a Final Four trophy 61. Modify a stallion 62. Seek advice from Dear Abby 63. Greek letter that looks like an X
Answers on page 25.
FIFTYPLUS — NOVEMBER 2020
www.FiftyPlusRichmond.com
27
28
NOVEMBER 2020 — FIFTYPLUS
Subscribe for half-price. See p. 16
Technology revolutionizes the most important piece of furniture in your house!
NEW! Introductory Offer
Save 40%
Got mobility or balance issues? UpBed is the ONLY adjustable bed that puts your feet safely on the ground. TM
Frame and side rails may vary by model
The only adjustable bed that helps you “Get Up and Go” by yourself! up” position, perfect for reading a book or watching TV. Another touch and it moves to a full sitting position, enabling you to eat, knit, play cards... all in a comfortable position. Time to get out of bed? It’s never been easier or safer. The bed elevates slowly, and the bottom of the mattress curls in, enabling you to put your feet firmly on the floor while the bed lifts you gently towards the “nose over toes” position where you simply stand and walk away. It’s easy, safe and no other bed can do it. Nothing is worse than spending the night worrying about how you are going to get out of bed. Call now, and a helpful, knowledgeable product expert can tell you how you can try out the UPbed™ for yourself, in your own home. Delivery of the bed is most convenient as we offer toyour-door delivery or we can provide White Glove delivery and we will completely set up the bed where you would like. Call today!
Call now to find out how you can get your own UpBed! Please mention promotional code 113929.
1
2
3
4
It’s a “Bed”– for a comfortable and relaxing night’s sleep It’s a “Sit Up Bed”– for reading, watching TV and resting It’s a “Chair”– for crafting, eating, visiting with friends and family It’s a “Lift Bed”– that puts your feet safely on the floor – you’re ready to go!
For fastest service, call toll free 24 hours a day. 1-888-970-3579 This bedding product cannot be returned, but if it arrives damaged or defective, at our option we will repair it or replace it.
©2020 by firstSTREET for Boomers and Beyond, Inc.
81208
For millions of Americans, “Rise & Shine” has become a thing of the past. Mobility and balance issues have forced many people to struggle getting in and out of bed. Not being able to get out of bed by yourself can be inconvenient, undignified and downright dangerous. To solve this problem, this product has been introduced in continuing care and other health care facilities. Now, thanks to firstSTREET, the leading marketer of innovative products for seniors in the United States, that same bed can enable people to get up, get going and live independently in their home. It’s called the UpBed™, and there is nothing else like it. The secret to the UpBed™ is its revolutionary system for raising the mattress to any position for a variety of activities. It features a state-of-the-art mattress with memory foam for a great night’s sleep… like sleeping on a cloud. With the touch of a button, it gently raises your upper body to a “sitting
4 PRODUCTS IN ONE!